Church burglar takes money, sentimental football jersey
NORTH UNION TWP. — Services conducted today at the Liberty Baptist Church will include a few extra prayers for the person that broke into it a week ago and stole money and a football jersey that had very sentimental value for its pastor, according to the church leader.
“We’re not going to allow this to change us,” said Pastor Ewing Marietta on Saturday. “We are going to continue to reach out through the love of Jesus to love and care for others.”
Sometime after last week’s church service, an unknown person broke into the Oliver Road church and took money that was meant to help one of its members attend college and a Liberty University football game jersey that had been a gift to Marietta following the 2009 death of his son.
“My son wanted to go to Liberty,” said Marietta. “It was a gift from the coach that had learned about his death.
“It was very special to us.”
Ewing Marcus Marietta II, 18, died July 15 following a vehicular accident.
Ewing Marietta said that when the church was entered June 18, members found a box being used for the collection of donations and money from various fund raisers for the college-bound student to be empty.
“They took it all; even the dimes, nickels and pennies,” said Ewing Marietta.
Initially, he was unaware of the amount of money in the box, but since, those that oversee the financial accounting have estimated it to be about $700.
Money was also taken from a second-floor location.
Ewing Marietta said that he is optimistic that the members will be able to replenish the college fund. However, the signed jersey can not be replaced.
“It won’t change us,” he said. “We’re just going to be a little more careful.”
Police are investigating the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 724-439-7111.