SPRINGFIELD — Detectives are probing a large-scale theft that essentially cleaned out the Holy Temple Church of God in Christ on Bay Street last week.

“The church was totally stripped,” said Bernadine Smith, a longtime member of the church that was founded in the North End about 80 years ago. “Everything but the pews and a couple chairs out of the pulpit.”

Smith estimated the loss at approximately $150,000.



Police Sgt. John M. Delaney said somebody used a key to enter the church at 145 Bay St. some time between Aug. 20 and Aug. 22.



Other items taken included communion dishes, the church organ and other musical instruments, a PA system, microphone stands, office furniture and church-related documents, silverware, plates and other kitchen related items.

The church has been its present location since 1965, Smith said. It originally stood in the place that now serves as the driveway to the Peter Pan Bus Lines terminal, she said.



Smith said that membership to the church, as high as 300 at one time, has dwindled over the years. She said she believes the church has insurance to cover the missing items, but added that it will take some research because of the missing documents.



"We are going to bring it back," Smith said. "We are not going to let our church die."