Worshippers' tears as yobs wreck church
THE congregation of a Gower church have been left devastated after vandals smashed thousands of pounds worth of stained glass windows.
The yobs hurled dozens of rocks and stones at the windows of St Gwynour's in Penclawdd - just months after new glass had been fitted.
Worshippers had to cancel their service, and spent the day carrying out the heartbreaking task of cleaning up the damage.
They were joined by an engaged couple who had popped in to meet the vicar about their wedding, but instead ended up on their hands and knees clearing the mess.
Warden Pamela Evans said: "I opened the church ready for the service, and couldn't believe what I saw - all the windows on one side of the church and behind the altar had been smashed.
"There was broken glass all over the church.
"They also threw rocks through the windows of the vicar's room - and they threw them with such force even a mirror on the wall inside was smashed. When the congregation arrived they were devastated - some of the older members were in tears.
"We had to cancel the service, and we all went home to collect vacuum cleaners and dustpans and brushes to clear the mess."
The attack happened on Saturday night or the early hours of Sunday, and police have appealed for help finding the vandals. Many of the smashed glass panels had only been fitted this summer at a cost of around £2,000.
It is not the first time St Gwynour's has been targeted by vandals, with incidents ranging from stone throwing and air guns being fired at windows to damage to trees planted in memory of Penclawdd men who died in conflict.
The vicar of St Gwynour's, Michael Walters, said the effects of the weekend attack would be felt throughout the area.
He said: "It was terrible to see the extent of the damage - and to see the shock and hurt in the eyes of the congregation. A lot of people in Penclawdd have a deep emotional attachment to St Gwynour's - generations of families are buried here.
"People always speak about the church with love and affection, and I am sure the hurt will be felt in the wider community."
Police urged anyone with information about the attack to come forward.
Inspector Bob Nicholls said: "We are investigating a report of damage to windows at St Gwynour's."
Can you help? Call Swansea police on 01792 456999, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
8 Comments
by A Penclawdd Resident, Penclawdd
Wednesday, September 02 2009, 9:33AM
“Well done Penclawdd, you have let yourself down again...
I'm sure people living by the church know who has done it, lets see if their big enough to step forward.”
by Paul Jones, Swansea
Tuesday, September 01 2009, 5:11PM
“I have said a few times on this site that the kids need to be helped with places to go, things to do and also parents need to take responsibility. When things like this happen, however I would advocate without hesitation that those responsible are thrashed in public.”
by John Williams, Penlan
Tuesday, September 01 2009, 1:43PM
“I was devastated to read about this mindless act. Having a number of family buried in the churchyard, I have visited a few times. It is a lovely quiet place and it is beyond comprehension to know what anybody can gain out of this sort of thing. I hope they catch whoever is responsible and they get a tough sentence. Nothing seems to be safe these days.”
by James Sheridan, Swansea
Tuesday, September 01 2009, 12:57PM
“Lets hope the Vandals are caught and the Magistrates dish out 'Divine Justice' to the guilty!”
by Michael John, Swansea
Tuesday, September 01 2009, 11:26AM
“I sincerly hope those responsible are caught and that the full force of the law is applied when they reach the courts. This is an appauling attack on a place of worship and my thoughts go out to both the Vicar and the congregation.”
by Siani, Swansea
Tuesday, September 01 2009, 10:31AM
“How utterly disgusting. Like Rebecca, I am also an atheist, but am both saddened and angered by such needless and mindless vandalism. A place of worship is more than mere bricks and mortar to its congregation. It's where their marriages are solemnised, where their children are baptised, and where they say goodbye to deceased loved ones. Apart from the obvious spiritual attachment, there will also be a deep emotional attachment. But I don't suppose anyone moronic enough to lob a rock through something as pretty as a stained glass window is capable of comprehending any of that.”
by Rebecca, port talbot
Tuesday, September 01 2009, 9:58AM
“This just brought tears to my eyes. I am an Atheist but I am a human being full of compassion. I myself would have helped clean up the mess. We can't tar a generation with the same brush as this is something I would NEVER have done and I'm 28. I have respect for life and other peoples property and the beauty of life. How did this happen? Well it seems my values were instilled by my parents and family who like me are good people. We are now seeing the next generation secondary to the scum in their 30's who have never worked and just spat out kids I bet. Disgusting. No values left in this country. Bring back the cane. Bring back the birch. Bring back DISCIPLINE!”
by Achmeds, Uncle
Tuesday, September 01 2009, 9:39AM
“A lot of places of worship have protective guards for the windows. This is a repeat attack on this property, I wonder what the insurance company will say. ie.. What protective neasures have you done since the last incident ? Gone are the days though that people will be left alone to enjoy what they do without having to worry about vandalism without the need to live behind perspex sheets and fencing to protect glass windows. Whats the bet that the culprits if found will say they were bored and had nothing to do”