Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington called off in-person Sunday worship services after what the senior pastor called “significant vandalism” to the building overnight.
Holy Trinity Catholic Catholic Church, 711 N. Main St., Bloomington was also vandalized, though the damage did not appear to be as extensive. Several west Bloomington businesses were also struck.
Bloomington Police say one person has been arrested in connection with the vandalism.
Mount Pisgah, at 801 W. Market St., is one of Bloomington-Normal’s largest predominantly Black churches. The church shifted to online services on Sunday.
Pastor Timothy Mark Harris said in a message posted to social media there was a “high level of vandalism” inside and outside of the church building, but did not give more specifics. In his video message, viewers can see three doors boarded up at the main entrance.
“I was ready for worship today but we are going to be conscious and cautious and follow what we need to follow to have this handled in the right manner,” the pastor said. “Then when we come back into this space, we will rejoice evermore.”
Harris did not say in the online message when the church might reopen.
At Holy Trinity, one window was smashed, while two windows were damaged at the church rectory next door and another window was damaged at the parish center across the street.
Bloomington Police officer Bryce Janssen said Sunday one woman was arrested at Mount Pisgah. She was taken to the McLean County Jail.
Janssen did not provide additional information about the incident, but added Bloomington police also took two reports of criminal damage to businesses in the 700 block of West Chestnut Street and one in the 900 block of West Market Street between late Saturday night and early Sunday morning.
Harris kept an upbeat tone during his brief online message, encouraging church members to check on at least three people today to “tell them something good” and make sure they are doing OK.
A message to Mount Pisgah seeking additional comment was not immediately returned.
Bloomington Police have not reported any injuries in connection with the vandalism.
