DIXFIELD — A break-in at the Dixfield Congregational Church resulted in the theft of birth, death, marriage, membership and baptismal records from the pastor’s office, as well as the theft of money and damage to the office door.

Dixfield police Sgt. Jeff Howe said the burglary was reported at 1:20 p.m. on Monday. He believes at least two people were involved in the incident because of the weight of the 1.5-foot by 2-foot steel safe that was taken. The church documents were inside the safe.

Burglars gained entry to the church through a rear door, which sustained slight damage. However, the door to the Rev. John Gensel’s office was destroyed.

Howe believes a pry bar was used to enter the building and the office.

Also taken was a large water cooler container in which an unknown amount of coins was stored.

Church officials believe the burglary took place between 9 p.m. Sunday, which was when the weekly Bible study ended, and early Monday afternoon.

Anyone with information should call the Dixfield Police Department at 562-4517. Howe said he may have some DNA evidence because the burglars rifled the church’s file cabinets. He said he has suspects.

Howe estimated the amount of damage and value of the items and money taken as about $800.

The Rev. Gensel said if anyone has the church documents, they can be returned to the church anonymously.

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