Vandalism and Copper Theft Plaguing Abandoned Historic Church in Beaumont

BEAUMONT, Texas — The owner of the historic, abandoned First Baptist Church building on College Street has vowed to repair and secure the property despite suffering millions of dollars in damages from relentless vandalism and metal theft.

Property owner Gerald Hatch, who purchased the property five years ago with plans to establish a community resource center for the needy and homeless, reported that the building has been repeatedly targeted by thieves. Over the past three years, vandals have broken windows, damaged historical structures, and stripped the building of valuable copper wiring, piping, and air conditioning components. Hatch estimates that the total damage to the building now amounts to millions of dollars, creating a significant financial and structural challenge.

The issue reached a boiling point in July 2025 when Hatch personally witnessed an individual leaving the church building carrying stolen copper. Hatch confronted the suspect and called the authorities, reporting that three additional individuals were still inside the building. Officers from the Beaumont Police Department responded to the scene and conducted a thorough search of the premises, but the suspects had already fled and could not be located.

The ongoing issues at the College Street property have drawn attention from local officials. During a Beaumont City Council meeting, representatives discussed the property's code compliance issues and noted that its unsecured state has made it a prime target for criminal activity. In response to similar vacant properties, the city has strengthened its code enforcement programs and introduced a vacant building ordinance. This ordinance requires property owners to register and secure unoccupied structures to prevent unauthorized entry and protect public safety. Despite the severe setbacks, Hatch remains committed to rehabilitating the historic site and bringing it back into compliance with city standards.