N word on church marquee shocks passers-by - Live5News.com | Charleston, SC | News, Weather, Sports

People who pass by Salem Baptist Church on North Road are usually greeted with an uplifting message on the church's sign, but for a short time last week, it displayed the N-word.

Several drivers sent WIS pictures of the shocking sign, so we decided to investigate.

Pastor Randy Lucas said the words are not his. "Who ever did this rearranged the letters," he said.

Lucas says it's a cruel prank at the church's expense. The glass and locks around the sign have been broken for a year.

Pastor Lucas said he didn't think someone would take advantage of God's property. Now he plans to get them fixed.

"If we had glass up and the locks were there it might have kept it from happening," said Lucas. "Whoever did this ... they are bigoted, racist. This is not our official position here at Salem Baptist Church."

He said there were several sinful messages. It all began last week.

Someone, he said, rearranged the letters to post a nasty message. Thursday, Lucas said a deacon spotted the N-word message and changed the letters.

The next day it was back up again.

Lucas called the sheriff's department.

"We have no tolerance for it," he said. "And God doesn't either."

"We don't want anything bad to happen to this person," said Lucas. "We're praying for them and we want their heart to change. Please stop."

Apparently whoever it was combines letters from the front and back of the sign to come up with the unpleasant wording.

Lucas said he's now considering installing a security camera.

Call Crimestoppers if you have information that can help officers. 1-888-CRIME-SC.

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