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2010-03-16

2010-03-16

2010-01-19

Agriculture

Lifestyles

Friday, November 20, 2009 11:00 AM

Churchgoers react to theft case dismissal

By COURTNEY SERVAES, Herald Staff Writer

When they formed Grace Community Fellowship, members wanted to show grace in everything they did, Lisa Wellman said.

No matter the circumstances.

No matter what hurts.

Grace is exactly what Wellman said members of the church tried to show as their pastor, Robert Kenton Mathews, faced a jury trial this week. “I pray our reaction to this challenge and all challenges in our church’s future are full of grace so others see Jesus living inside us,” Wellman said.

Mathews, former pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, was accused of stealing more than $6,000 in gold coins from an elderly church member last year. Judge Eric Godderz dismissed the case Wednesday — during the second day of the scheduled three-day jury trial — because of insufficient evidence.

Mathews did not want to comment on the judge’s decision.

“Was that a mistake, or was it theft?” Godderz said of the coins found during a search of Mathews’ vehicle. “There’s no evidence one way or another. It doesn’t make any sense.”

Members of Mathews’ church agreed — showing their support by embracing Mathews and fellow church members after the ruling.

“I think the judge said a lot of things that were very valid,” George Wingert Jr., who irregularly attends the church, said. “I think his attitude was, ‘Why are we even here talking about this?’”

Now that the trial is over, Wingert said he thinks Mathews, and his family, can get back to helping the community — something he says the family is known for.

“He has worked hard in our community for a long time,” Wingert said. “I think he’s really tried to make Ottawa a better place.”

Wingert said despite the good Mathews has done, accusations like theft really can injure someone’s reputation.

“It’s really hard when something like this happens,” he said. “It blows your mind.”

Because of the attention the trial has received, Wellman said members are happy it’s all over.

“We’re glad the trial is over, and we are definitely ready to move forward,” she said.

Grace Community Fellowship recently acquired Hawthorne Elementary School, 501 S. Poplar St., Ottawa, and plans to use it as a church.

“We’re continuing our plans for Hawthorne school and can’t help but be excited about the possibilities for us there,” she said.

Mathews, of course, will be a huge part of the church’s future, Wellman said.

“Kent is a terrific, sincere person, and he is important to everyone at Grace Community Fellowship,” she said.

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Churchgoers react to theft case dismissal

By COURTNEY SERVAES, Herald Staff Writer

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article | Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article |
Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.