Historic churches in Albury targeted by vandals who behead statues

Just weeks out from Christmas, beautiful sculptures outside two historic country churches have been destroyed by vandals.

Weeks out from Christmas, a number of ornate stone sculptures belonging to two historic churches have been destroyed.

The culprits struck St Matthew’s and St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Albury, which are 170 and 140 years old respectively, decapitating tributes to St Francis of Assisi, The Virgin Mary and angels on Tuesday.

Father Peter Macleod-Miller told NCA Newswire on Thursday the actions were “mean” and “an act of violence”

A decapitated sculpture belonging to St Matthews Church in Albury, recently targeted by vandals. Picture: Peter Macleod-Miller

“It does seem like wanton vandalism and an act of violence in an otherwise tranquil spot,” Father Macleod-Miller said.

“It does feel like an assault against the values of the community,” he said.

St Matthews is one of the biggest churches in the border region, and provides emergency accommodation to the homeless, drug affected and those fleeing violence, provides advocacy in the courts to those who need it, and other services.

Father Peter Macleod-Miller, from St Matthews Church, said the destruction seemed like “wanton violence.” Picture: Peter Macleod-Miller.

“There is no one who has come to us who we haven’t helped,” Father Macleod-Miller said.

He said police had told him they had formed a “suspicion” as the those responsible, and he said he wanted there to be some form of action against them.

But Father Macleod-Miller said they wouldn’t be spooked.

“These things frighten the community and make them close up,” he said.

“We certainly won’t be locking the gates.”

Father Peter Macleod-Miller said the church won’t be cowed by the vandalism. Picture: Peter Macleod-Miller.

The vandalism is a particularly bitter blow to St Matthews, whose historic structure was razed to the ground in a fire in 1991 and targeted by arsonists again a number of years ago.

Father Macleod-Miller added that nonetheless: “we would rather people take their anger out on statues than other people.”

NSW Police said that the attacks occurred between Monday and Tuesday.

“Officers from the Murray River Police District were notified and have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident,” they said.

Police urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Historic churches in Albury targeted by vandals who behead statues