Provo Church Vandalized: Police Seek Public’s Help in Investigation

A Provo church vandalized earlier this week suffered extensive damage to its chapel, restrooms, and boiler room—prompting a police investigation and calls for public assistance.

Authorities are asking for the public’s help after a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse near Brigham Young University was heavily vandalized earlier this week. The damage, reported at 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, occurred at the church building located at 650 E. Stadium Avenue.

Investigators believe the break-in happened sometime between 10 p.m. Monday night and early Tuesday afternoon. According to a report from the Provo Police Department, the vandals may have entered the building by breaking a glass panel in the steeple area, gaining access to the basement and chapel.

Once inside, the perpetrators caused significant damage. Keys were torn from the organ and scattered across the floor, a piano was overturned, and a large framed picture of Jesus Christ had puncture marks around the face.

The destruction extended into other parts of the building. In the women’s restroom, several sinks and pipes were broken, and the water was left running.

The flooding seeped into nearby rooms, soaking the carpet in the nursing room. In the boiler room, vandals damaged control panels and pulled a lever that shut off water lines. Stick figure drawings in pink marker were found on the walls, perhaps suggesting prolonged time spent inside the building. ​

Surveillance footage from the church and the adjacent Missionary Training Center is being reviewed to help identify suspects. Police are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.

This incident is part of a concerning pattern of vandalism targeting Latter-day Saint properties. In October 2024, another Provo meetinghouse at 1260 W. 1150 North was vandalized, resulting in several thousand dollars in damage, including a smashed organ and broken TVs. Similarly, in July 2024, a meetinghouse in Magna suffered at least $60,000 in damages due to vandalism.

As the investigation continues, police and community leaders are encouraging residents to remain alert and report suspicious behavior. Public assistance is considered vital in preventing further incidents and ensuring accountability.​

Holly Wallace

Holly Wallace is a writer and storyteller drawn to meaningful questions and overlooked details. Her work explores Latter-day Saint life and culture through faithful inquiry, inviting readers to pause, consider, and engage more deeply with what matters most.