By Anne Marie Amacher
DAVENPORT — About 50 pounds worth of Freon, a cooling agent for air conditioning units, was stolen from Holy Family Church sometime overnight July 12.
Father Robert Harness, pastor, said the air conditioning was malfunctioning the week before and a part had been ordered to fix that problem. Mass attendees the weekend of July 7-8 had to endure hot conditions.
When the repairman went to install the replacement part July 13, he noticed all three air conditioner Freon units were missing.
Fr. Harness said the three air conditioner units for the church are on the north side of the building and surrounded by a privacy fence. That fence was broken to access the units.
He said it could cost up to $3,000 to replace the Freon. Quotes are currently being taken. He was unsure if some of the cost to replace the Freon would be covered by insurance. A police report was filed.
Staff called some of the older parishioners encouraging them not to come to Mass during the heat wave. He noted the heat was miserable during weekend Masses July 14-15.
