Burglars struck an East Tennessee church, taking away arguably the most important item they'll need this week: their air conditioner. Temperatures are expected to be hovering near 100 degrees all week long.
"It got a little warm last night," William McGinnis said, describing the Midway Freewill Baptist Church in Mooresburg, a church he's attended since 1955.
"Church has had it's up and downs," the 85-year-old McGinnis said. This week would be considered a "down" after a burglar stole the small church's only air conditioning unit. With damages, the church lost $1,700.
"Something wrong with them... bad," McGinnis asking who would do such a thing to a place of worship.
He wonders how elderly church goers can go to services with no AC. One of the deacons is in his 90s. He says the heat could be dangerous.
"They're just gonna have to use their own judgement."
The Hawkins County Sheriff's Department have not made any arrests as of Monday. They call it an isolated case.
"It's gonna be a bad time right now. We're going to eventually replace it, just I don't know when."
McGinnis said all he can do is focus on his ministry, hoping the flock can still go to church with no relief from the heat in sight.
To check out the seven-day forecast, visit the WBIR weather page.