Copper theft forces Bridesburg church to close food pantry

BRIDESBURG (WPVI) -- A church in Bridesburg was targeted by copper thieves and the damage left behind forced church officials to temporarily shut down their food pantry.

"I think it's pretty rotten," said Elaine Logan.

"That's really pretty lame," said Susan Chalfont.

That was the reaction to news of what happened at the Bridesburg United Methodist Church on Kirkbride Street.

Overnight someone broke in through a wash room window and stripped out an estimated 300-400 feet of copper pipes - beginning in the boiler room and going throughout the building.

It was discovered by Ed Lex who helps keep the church running. No services were held Sunday because it knocked out all water and heating.

"We are just hurting right now," said Lex.

The theft also knocked out thee food pantry in the church's basement.

It is a mission of the congregation Pastor Dave Ryan says.

"There are 200 people every Tuesday come down here and get food, and they are not going to get food this Tuesday and we don't know when we can start up again," said Pastor Ryan.

Frustrated someone would rob a church prompted this remark aimed at whoever is responsible.

"You couldn't have needed it that bad for food or anything. There is plenty of food so if you got some kind of habit step up maybe the church can help you beat it," said Lex.

In addition to the stolen copper, which will cost thousands to replace, it's believed some cash was stolen from the food bank.

There is one puzzling element for which Pastor Ryan is thankful for.

Before the scrapper hit, the main water supply was shut off, preventing a flood that would have destroyed much of the food bank's supplies.

"Yes it did not add insult to injury," said Pastor Ryan.

At this point, it's not clear when the food pantry will reopen.

First the church will have to deal with insurance adjusters and replace the copper pipes.

However until then, it will remain closed.