Thieves Bust Down Doors of Historic East Nashville Church

EAST NASHVILLE, TN — Repairs are underway at the historic St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church on Straightway Avenue in South Inglewood after thieves busted down the church's wooden doors and stole vestments, heirlooms and the church computer.

Some time late on September 11 or in the wee hours of September 12, the burglars broke through the old wooden doors to the nearly-150-year-old church.

“They took some of my personal items that I use as vestments for the church, some heirloom items that was given to me by my father and my grandfather,” the Rev. Omar'an Lee told WKRN.

Lee told the TV station that instead of focusing on the crime, the church will redouble its efforts to improve the community.

“We look at unemployment, we look at after school programs, at things that are not available for young people to keep them busy," he said. "It takes St James, it takes the community here in south Inglewood, it takes our city. My job is to continue to love those that come to me or those that present themselves needing love.”

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