Crime & Safety

Repairs Under Way at Lighthouse Christian Church

After a drunk driver allegedly struck the entrance to the church, construction workers hope to finish repairs by Sunday, May 19

The steeple is back on its foundation after a drunk driver allegedly

“The church was knocked off its foundation 10 inches,” said Bill Brower of Brower Construction. “We had to lift it up and move it over to the foundation and anchor it.”

The entrance of the church  after 21-year-old Lanoka Harbor resident Randy Rozell’s vehicle left the roadway, became airborne and collided with the building on Friday, April 27.

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Rozell, who was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for head injuries, was charged with DWI and other motor vehicle-related offenses. Rozell was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday, May 1, said hospital spokesperson Maureen Gillespie.

Rozell’s passenger, 22-year-old Robert Plaschke of Forked River, also suffered head injuries and was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Gillespie did not have information on Plashke.

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As a result of the collision, repairs will amount to approximately $40,000. The steeple in the front of the church, the foyer and bathrooms underneath the foyer will need to be entirely rebuilt, Pastor Jim Kuipers previously said. Repairs will also have to be made to the landscaping and fence.

“Everything is going great,” Pastor Gloria Kuipers said. “(The builders) are on top of it.”

Because of the age of the church, Brower Construction had to anchor the front of entrance to the church’s foundation, which was not how the church was constructed prior to the accident, Brower said.

Brower Construction has completed that portion of the repairs and will next be enclosing the entrance with siding. The goal is to have the entrance opened by Sunday, May 19, he said.

In the meantime, the church is in service and will continue to assist those who typically utilize the ramp to the front entrance, Pastor Gloria Kuipers said.

“We’re looking forward to having everything back and running as normal,” she said.


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