Civil War Graveyard Vandalized
The historic Bethesda Presbyterian Church and six Civil War grave markers at its cemetery have been vandalized.
According to the Citizen Tribune of Morristown vandals spray painted vaguely paranormal terms and symbols all over the cemetery in the Russellville community of Hamblen County.
They also broke out several Civil War-era glass panes and windows at the historic church and left candles burning inside.
The church, which once served as a Civil War hospital, dates back to 1825 and is on the National Registry of Historic Places.
The vandalism occurred on two separate occasions last week, and cemetery caretakers filed a police report on Sunday.
According to that report, the vandals also left broken beer bottles and a bicycle on the site.
