Historic Church Vandalized in Winston County

Pews and altar damaged, Historic plaque stolen

SUSPECTS IN CUSTODY - STORY TO FOLLOW!!
The Winston County Sheriff's Office is searching for information on suspects who vandalized a rural
church in eastern Winston County this week. Sheriff Jason Pugh indicated that his officers were called to Sardis Church on Sardis Road, east of the Ellison Ridge Community and south of Hwy 14E on Thursday morning after a caretaker discovered that the building had been vandalized sometime between Tuesday and the early hours of Thursday morning.

Bullet holes in exterior of Sardis Church

Inside the church, pews had been overturned and damaged as well as the altar. Windows were broken and numerous bullet holes riddled the exterior walls. Spent shotgun shells, 9mm handgun casings and beer cans were found in the church yard.

The Sardis Church is a historic structure and is one of only eight properties in Winston County on the National Registry of  Historic Places. During the vandalism, the plaque denoting its inclusion in the registry was stolen.

Law enforcement is asking anyone with information about this incident  to contact the Winston County Sheriff's office at 662-773-5881 or Winston County CrimeStoppers at 662-773-9999. A reward is offered.