Dayton church opens despite theft

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - To conquer and to overcome, that's the motto of Triumphant Church and that's just what this congregation has done after $7,000 dollars for a new building was stolen from Pastor Anthony Mallory's home. He couldn't believe someone could steal from a church.

"Horrified. Disappointed. Frustrated. But something let me knew that it was going to be alright," explains Pastor Mallory.

There are only about 45 church members. While the congregation may be small in numbers, it's big in faith.

"We kind of really got on the ball, getting everything together, trying to get the money together so we could be able to settle on this church and move in," says church member Domonique Wooten.

And It only took three weeks to replace the money.

"It was a triumphant story. We live by our name. I was just so excited that everybody banded together to make this happen because it's not our church, it's the Lord's church," comments Pastor Mallory.

The first service at the new church on McGee Street was held Tuesday night. The thief hasn't been caught yet but the pastor has a message for that person.

"They need to repent and ask for forgiveness. You can't keep a good man down and you can't keep a good church down," says Pastor Mallory.

If you'd like to make a donation, send it to 72 South McGee Street, Dayton, Ohio 45403. Make the check payable to Triumphant Church.

If you know anything about the theft, call Crimestoppers at 222-7867.