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Opa Locka Church A/C Theft Leaves Congregation Steaming

OPA LOCKA (CBS4) - Worshippers at one Opa Locka church tried to stay cool during Sunday morning after crooks stole parts of their air conditioning system.

Staffers at the Holy Temple Missionary Baptist Church on NW 143rd Street set up fans to help keep the congregation cool.

"You still have to give thanks. Everyone is sweating, running around the church drinking water," said April Chestnut, a member of the church. "You still have to give thanks to the Lord."

Last Monday thieves stole the copper tubing and wiring off the buildings four a/c units, according to the Opa locka police department.

This wasn't the first time something like this has happened. Numerous churches in the area have experienced similar thefts.

The copper theft at Holy Temple Missionary has put their five-day a week elderly program at risk. When the temperatures soar into the mid-90s during the middle of the afternoon, even with the fans, it is too hot for them to be in the building.

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