Burglars target church where author Stephen King spoke

DURHAM, Maine (AP) - A 214-year-old church where Stephen King once spoke has been the victim of mysterious thefts.

The leader of the Durham Historical Society tells the Sun Journal that thieves took several items that can be seen in a photo taken of the horror writer at the pulpit in 1984.

Historical society Chairwoman Tia Nadeau Wilson said those items included a flag, a cross and a memorial plaque. She said they seemed to be so specifically targeted that she wondered if there was a connection to the photo of King’s appearance.

The thieves also stole historic photos but left the frames.

She said: “I think there’s something morbid going on.”

Police are investigating.

The Methodist Church in West Durham is not far from King’s childhood home. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places.

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This story has been corrected to show that Wilson’s quote should read, “I think there’s something morbid going on,” not “I think something morbid is going on.”