ANDERSON CO., SC (WSPA) – Deputies are looking for the person or persons responsible for vandalizing a church in Anderson County.
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office says someone broke windows and spray painted messages on the side of Midway Presbyterian Church on Midway Road.
According to deputies, the windows in the church were over 125 years old.
The words “SUBMIT TO GOD THRU ISLAM” and “MUHAMMED IS HIS PROPHET” were spray pained in black onto the siding of the church.
Elders of the church tell 7News they did not let the act of vandals disturb their services and lunch on Sunday.
“It was very disturbing because we feel like this was an individual act and we don’t hold any religious group responsible for it,” said Bob Harrell. “We think it most likely was some misguided young people. However, we do take it very seriously and we’ll do everything we can to assist law enforcement.”
On Tuesday, Anderson Area Crime Stoppers said they are offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the vandalism. The church has also offered a matching rewards, bring the total reward amount to $1,000.
Anderson Area Crime Stoppers are also collecting donations to help the church with the cost of replacing the stained-glass windows.
According to the news release, donations can be sent to Anderson Area Crime Stoppers, P.O. Box 219, Anderson, SC 29622, and if you donate, please indicate “church windows” on the donation.
Anyone with information on the vandalism is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office at 864-260-4400.
