Boston Police seek to identify Brighton church vandals

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Boston Police are trying to identify a group of suspected vandals caught on surveillance video vandalizing a former Catholic Church in Brighton.

Police officers responded to Our Lady of Presentation Church in Brighton on Washington Street, where they learned that at some point before Thanksgiving, the church was broken into, with paintings and the organ destroyed.

The building is no longer a working church, but is used as a lecture hall for nearby St. John's Seminary.

Heavy custom doors were damaged, fire extinguishers were discharged inside, an oil painting of Pope John the 23rd was cut and defaced with curse words and stars during the spree. In the choir loft, a bottle of wine was discovered on the keyboard and potato chips littered the floor. A pipe from the Church Organ was broken and left in the loft.

"Recently Our Lady of the Presentation Lecture Hall was vandalized," read a statement from the Archdiocese of Boston. "The building is secure at this time and the police are conducting a full investigation in hopes of catching those responsible."

A worker estimated the damage to be around $150,000. Police are investigating the incident and ask anyone with information to call District D-14 detectives in Brighton at 617-343-4256. Tipsters, including those who wish to remain anonymous can also call Boston Police Crimestoppers at 1.800.494.TIPS if you recognize any of the suspected vandals.

Cox Media Group