Latest news with #FirstChurch
Otago Daily Times
09-07-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Copper worth $50k stolen from Dunedin church
Two of Dunedin's most treasured historic churches have been hit by brazen thieves, sneaking on site in the dead of night to steal tens of thousands of dollars worth of copper piping. In the past six to eight weeks, First Church of Otago and Knox Church have both had the majority of their copper downpipes stolen, leaving their church communities frustrated, disappointed and facing the hassle of replacing them. First Church minister the Rev Ed Masters said 15 copper downpipes, which take the rainwater from the 152-year-old church's roof, had been stolen in "several instalments" over the past couple of months. Downpipes were situated right around the church building, often tucked into alcoves, which meant they were somewhat hidden from sight. "The replacement value of those pipes is in excess of $50,000 and in the meantime we are having to use stop-gap measures to stop water from damaging the church walls," Mr Masters said. The missing downpipes had been temporarily replaced with PVC piping, while the process of dealing with insurance and arranging secure replacements was ongoing. The theft had been reported to police and local scrap metal merchants had been notified to keep an eye out for it, but hopes were low that the pipes would turn up. Mr Masters said the thefts had also prompted the church to install a new, upgraded security system. "It's disappointing and frustrating that thieves would target a city treasure like this, our parishioners are quite upset about it," Mr Masters said. "It's not just having the copper downpipes stolen, it is also the potential impact on the fabric of the church building if water gets inside." Contacted by The Star , Knox Presbyterian Church minister the Very Rev Dr Graham Redding confirmed that the church had also suffered the loss of a "significant number" of its copper downpipes. "The thefts have occurred not just once, but on several occasions," Dr Redding said. "We are now having to work through the process of reviewing our security and also deciding on how to proceed with replacing the downpipes." Describing the thefts as "a sign of the times", Dr Redding said it was difficult and frustrating that the churches had been targeted. "These are heritage churches and the copper piping is a part of that." Contacted by The Star, Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, who was aware of the thefts from First Church and Knox Church, said the stolen copper piping was possibly being resold in the local renovation market. "People should be aware that it is not a good idea to buy copper piping off anyone but a reputable dealer," Snr Sgt Bond said. "If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is." The theft of copper happened from time to time, with thieves targeting everything from copper wiring to hot water cylinders, Snr Sgt Bond said. He urged anyone who saw suspicious activity around churches or building sites to report it to police via Crime Stoppers or by phoning 105. Mr Masters said the timing of the thefts was especially unfortunate, as First Church was reaching the end of an extensive $600,000 renovation project, overseen by Origin Consultants, which included rewiring the church, restoring an interior wall, upgrading the fire system and restoring stained glass, he said. Parishioners have been worshipping in Burns Hall for several months, and are preparing to move back into the main church in early August. "We love opening up the space for visitors, for music, for art, for community events, and obviously for worship and the life celebrations that happen there," Mr Masters said. "This [the renovations] is about ensuring that we can keep doing that and enhancing it for those things as well." The Star contacted the Anglican Diocese of Dunedin and the Catholic Diocese of Dunedin, but neither were aware of any reports of copper piping being stolen from their churches in the city.
Otago Daily Times
09-07-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Thieves target church copper
Two of Dunedin's most treasured historic churches have been hit by brazen thieves, sneaking on site in the dead of night to steal tens of thousands of dollars worth of copper piping. In the past six to eight weeks, First Church of Otago and Knox Church have both had the majority of their copper downpipes stolen, leaving their church communities frustrated, disappointed and facing the hassle of replacing them. First Church minister the Rev Ed Masters said 15 copper downpipes, which take the rainwater from the 152-year-old church's roof, had been stolen in "several instalments" over the past couple of months. Downpipes were situated right around the church building, often tucked into alcoves, which meant they were somewhat hidden from sight. "The replacement value of those pipes is in excess of $50,000 and in the meantime we are having to use stop-gap measures to stop water from damaging the church walls," Mr Masters said. The missing downpipes had been temporarily replaced with PVC piping, while the process of dealing with insurance and arranging secure replacements was ongoing. The theft had been reported to police and local scrap metal merchants had been notified to keep an eye out for it, but hopes were low that the pipes would turn up. Mr Masters said the thefts had also prompted the church to install a new, upgraded security system. "It's disappointing and frustrating that thieves would target a city treasure like this, our parishioners are quite upset about it," Mr Masters said. "It's not just having the copper downpipes stolen, it is also the potential impact on the fabric of the church building if water gets inside." Contacted by The Star , Knox Presbyterian Church minister the Very Rev Dr Graham Redding confirmed that the church had also suffered the loss of a "significant number" of its copper downpipes. "The thefts have occurred not just once, but on several occasions," Dr Redding said. "We are now having to work through the process of reviewing our security and also deciding on how to proceed with replacing the downpipes." Describing the thefts as "a sign of the times", Dr Redding said it was difficult and frustrating that the churches had been targeted. "These are heritage churches and the copper piping is a part of that." Contacted by The Star, Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, who was aware of the thefts from First Church and Knox Church, said the stolen copper piping was possibly being resold in the local renovation market. "People should be aware that it is not a good idea to buy copper piping off anyone but a reputable dealer," Snr Sgt Bond said. "If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is." The theft of copper happened from time to time, with thieves targeting everything from copper wiring to hot water cylinders, Snr Sgt Bond said. He urged anyone who saw suspicious activity around churches or building sites to report it to police via Crime Stoppers or by phoning 105. Mr Masters said the timing of the thefts was especially unfortunate, as First Church was reaching the end of an extensive $600,000 renovation project, overseen by Origin Consultants, which included rewiring the church, restoring an interior wall, upgrading the fire system and restoring stained glass, he said. Parishioners have been worshipping in Burns Hall for several months, and are preparing to move back into the main church in early August. "We love opening up the space for visitors, for music, for art, for community events, and obviously for worship and the life celebrations that happen there," Mr Masters said. "This [the renovations] is about ensuring that we can keep doing that and enhancing it for those things as well." The Star contacted the Anglican Diocese of Dunedin and the Catholic Diocese of Dunedin, but neither were aware of any reports of copper piping being stolen from their churches in the city.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Longmeadow students to host youth-led fiesta on May 3
LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) – Students from Longmeadow Public Schools are taking the lead on climate action with the 'Future Planet Fiesta,' a youth-driven sustainability celebration. The event, scheduled for Saturday, May 3, on the Longmadow Green, is organized by students from multiple Longmeadow schools. The event showcases the energy and passion of young leaders dedicated to creating a greener future. The Fiesta is presented in collaboration with First Church, the Longmeadow Energy and Sustainability Committees, and Cooler Communities. Attendees of all ages can look forward to a day packed with activities, including interactive games, eco-themed booths, hands-on workshops, live entertainment, and exciting giveaways. Each activity has been designed and led by local student groups who are committed to promoting sustainability and climate awareness. In addition to the festivities, the event will feature recycling opportunities for the community. Guests are encouraged to bring old calculators, used electronics, and plastic film or proper recycling as part of the Fiesta's mission to reduce waste and protect the environment. The Future Planet Fiesta promises to be an educational and entertaining day for families, students, and community members alike. Organizers invite everyone to come celebrate youth leadership, learn practical ways to support the environment, and help build a more sustainable future. The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former President Bill Clinton, speakers honor the lives lost and survivors on 30th anniversary of OKC bombing
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — On April 19, 1995, at 9:02 a.m., a truck loaded with explosive material detonated in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City, killing 168 people, including 19 children. This became the worst act of homegrown terrorism in United States history. In what is one of the darkest days in the state's history, Oklahomans show not only the rest of the country, but the rest of the world, just what the 'Oklahoma Standard' truly is: Resilience, service, honor, and kindness. The Oklahoma City bombing happened 30 years ago, service honors those lost and changed forever Today, on the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, we remember those lives lost, honor those who survived, and thank those changed forever. Much of the community gathered together Saturday for the remembrance ceremony held inside the First Church in downtown Oklahoma City. Former President Bill Clinton was the keynote speaker, with other speakers including Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, former Governor Frank Keating, U.S. Senator James Lankford, U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, and other dignitaries. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
OKC National Memorial & Museum 30th anniversary ceremony moved indoors
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Due to weather, the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum's 30th anniversary ceremony has been moved indoors on April 19, 2025. Officials say the ceremony will be held at the First Church on the corner of NW 5th St. and Robinson Ave. LOCAL NEWS: Reflections of April 19, 1995, from a former Assistant to the Mayor of OKC Visitors should enter the church through the west doors. ADA accessibility is available at the east side of the church. Following the ceremony, guests will be led out to the Field of Empty Chairs by the Oklahoma Fire Pipes and Drums. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
