Church may close doors after alleged scam

April 4, 2006 (WLS) -- A South Side church considers closings its doors after an alleged building improvement scam leaves the congregation praying in puddles.

Christ Universal Church of Holiness, 9039 S. Ashland Avenue, leaders said it took years for them to collect enough contributions to make repairs to the roof, which has been leaking for three years. But, they said, once a contractor got involved, the problem -- and puddles -- grew.

"We're showering. When it rain we're showering in here. It comes down just that hard," said Minister Mary Williams, Christ Universal Church of Holiness.

When the church publicized free meals on Christmas Eve under a leaky roof, leaders say they were approached by A & C Construction Company.

"When they said they loved the Lord and they go to church and respect pastors, I thought these people loved the Lord and were serious about what they were going to do," said Rev. Paul Hall, Christ Universal Church of Holiness.

In January, A & C Construction gave the church a proposal to do roof repairs with rubber material and the church started writing checks. The church says more than $5,000 was paid to A & C to fix the roof and do other renovations.

The old roof was taken off and other material was put on, but the leaks got worse. Church officials said A & C would not come back.

"Just leave this place ...as if a hurricane or tornado hit this. I don't know where the moral values are of some people are," said Rev. Hall.

"We're just a small church with a big heart. Most on fixed income. (The) way they did us, (it's) not right," said Rev. Williams.

ABC7 went to the address listed on A& C's bond certificate. A woman answering the door said the men with A & C moved two years ago. The phone number listed on another A & C document does not connect.

"This is a horrible situation," said Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, who received another complaint about A & C. State investigators are also looking for the owners of the business. Madigan warns consumers not to make full payment to any contractor until the work is finished.

"They're charming. Theysay they want to help...all they want is your money," said IL Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

The church is out of money. Members put up some drywall to slow the leaks but can't afford a new roof. Leaders say all they can do now is keep mopping and praying.

"You don't lose faith in god but you lose faith in people. And that's where we're at right now," said Minister Williams.

Church leaders hope to last through the Easter season, but black mold has developed in some areas of the church and they're worried about the threat to worshipers' health.

Home repair fraud is the number three complaint of Illinois consumers. Before giving up any money to a contractor, you can see if the company has had complaints with the attorney general's office and the better business bureau.

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