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Church rebounds after vandalism, celebrates “fresh start”

by M. Dilworth • August 22, 2013

On May 17, vandals soaked the Horizon Community Church sanctuary (left). The church is now repaired (right) and the congregation is ready to move forward. (Contributed photos.)
On May 18, vandals soaked the Horizon Community Church sanctuary (left). The church is now repaired (right) and the congregation is ready to move forward. (Contributed photos.)

PALMDALE – About three months ago, vandals destroyed the Horizon Community Church in Palmdale. During a two-day spree, the trespassers ransacked the church, shattered windows, stole equipment and turned on a fire hose, flooding the majority of the church. (Read more here)

More than $100,000 later, the church is repaired and ready to move forward, according to Pastor K.C. Wahe.

The church has to be treated for asbestos once contractors pulled up the soaked rugs.
The church had to be treated for asbestos once contractors pulled up the soaked carpets.

“It feels like a fresh start at the church, a new beginning,” Wahe said. “We’re just grateful to the community because so many people in the community have been an encouragement.”

This past Sunday, services were held in the newly repaired church, Wahe said. The church will formally celebrate its reopening on Sunday, September 8.

“We’re having a rededication of the church sanctuary, it’s going to be our kickoff for the fall, and we’re going to have a barbecue,” Wahe said.

Worship services will begin at 11 a.m. at the church, located at 1850 East Avenue R in Palmdale. The barbecue will follow immediately after the church service.

Services were held in the Youth Center while the sanctuary underwent repairs.
Services were held in the Youth Center while the sanctuary underwent repairs.

“The entire community is welcomed to the church and the barbecue,” Wahe said.

He said many in the community offered support to the church in the aftermath of the May vandalism and throughout the lengthy repair process. Church officials originally estimated that vandals had caused about $50,000 in water damage to the floors, rugs, walls, and pews.

That estimate climbed once contractors pulled up the soaked rugs and discovered the church had to be treated for asbestos, Wahe said. Costs then doubled from $50,000 to more than $100,000.

“The majority of the cost was drying the church because of the flooding,” Wahe said. “Everything else was asbestos abatement, replacing the carpet, painting [and] replacing the damaged floor moldings.”

The church’s insurance company covered the cost, and the church relied on a local contractor – Imagination Unlimited, headed by Antelope Valley resident Mike Banfield.

“He knows the church and has history with the church so it was very good to have him,” Wahe said. “He did a great job.”

The congregation held services in its youth center while its sanctuary underwent repairs. The temporary setting brought the congregation closer together, and the entire experience has given members a new perspective, according to Wahe.

Services were held in the sanctuary on Sunday, Aug. 18 for the first time since the May vandalism.
Services were held in the sanctuary on Sunday, Aug. 18 for the first time since the May vandalism.

“It helped people recognize that it’s not all about a building, it’s about the people that God gathered together,” Wahe said. “And so if anything, it gave them a chance to discern their role in the community.”

In May, Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich proposed a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of the persons responsible for the vandalism and burglary at the Horizon Community Church. Still, the vandals have not yet been caught.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Detective Michael Luter at Palmdale Sheriff’s Station at 661-272-2472.

For more information on Horizon Community Church, visit http://www.horizoncommunity.com.

Previous related story: Local church remains optimistic, despite recent break-ins

Filed Under: Palmdale

9 comments for "Church rebounds after vandalism, celebrates “fresh start”"

  1. dumbandblind says

    August 27, 2013 at 12:55 pm

    Why only $10,000 reward for the capture of people whose damage cost $100,000. It should be the other way around given they could be doing the same thing over and over again, worse hurt somebody trying to stop them. Better yet, why pay a reward instead donate it to the church to help cover repairs.

  2. Jay says

    August 23, 2013 at 12:48 am

    Im an Atheist but these people deserve to be caught and pay for what they did.

  3. BGF says

    August 22, 2013 at 7:08 pm

    Maybe it was your god who told the vandals to do it….in which case repairing the place is the work of satan… or possibly santa seeing as all three are equally imaginary.

    • sikntired says

      August 23, 2013 at 12:03 am

      Why so mean spirited?

    • Jorg Largent says

      August 24, 2013 at 6:08 am

      BGF: please come join us. The Owner of the church and the congregation would welcome you! The Owner is eager for you to know How real He, and His love for you, are. Sundays at 11:00. Come early.

      • dumbandblind says

        August 27, 2013 at 12:59 pm

        FYI: Mark 9:42

  4. KC Wahe says

    August 22, 2013 at 6:18 pm

    Thanks you guys for posting this!!!! Keep up the good work!!!!

    • Letlow says

      August 22, 2013 at 7:58 pm

      What a great spirit you have KC Wahe. I love your comment about it not being about the building. Big outlet churches with Fancy Schmancy arenas turn me off. I appreciate the fact that your congregation stands behind you no matter where they must worship. That’s what spirituality should be about.

  5. Bubba says

    August 22, 2013 at 5:35 pm

    Mike Banfield is a GREAT contractor and is a great value for the quality of the work. I have always been satisfied with the projects he has done on my house, which includes a room addition.

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