In a heart-wrenching incident that has shaken the small community of Holland, New York, Hope on the Hill Church was robbed, forcing the congregation to cancel their Sunday worship service. The church, which serves a modest congregation of about 40, lost thousands of dollars in equipment and cash meant for an upcoming Easter egg hunt.
Pastor Richard Clarkson, who arrived at the church on March 30, 2025, sensed something was off as soon as he walked through the doors. “It felt like walking into a home where someone had rummaged through your belongings,” he shared with local news outlet WGRZ. Key items, including computers, microphones, and speakers, were missing, alongside $800 that had been raised for the church’s Easter festivities.
Lynne Hill, the church’s co-pastor and widow of the late Mark Hill, expressed her dismay at the theft, noting that for a small church, every dollar counts. “For us, $10 is a lot of money,” she remarked, highlighting the tight-knit nature of their community and the significant impact of the loss.
Despite the setback, the church has remained a hub for the community, offering its facilities for homeschool groups and other local churches. The leadership is determined to not let this incident define them. “We want to make people and other churches aware that these incidents happen,” Hill said. “We took two steps backward, but we will move forward.”
The Erie County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the robbery but has not yet identified any suspects. In the spirit of forgiveness, Pastor Clarkson emphasized the importance of grace, stating, “I’m not in a place to ask those questions. I’m in a place to forgive them for what they did and provide them love.”
In response to the robbery, Laney Hill, the daughter-in-law of Pastor Lynne Hill, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help the church recover its losses. “This is a small church whose congregation has blessed our community in countless ways,” she wrote. “They could really use their community now.”
As the investigation continues, the church community is rallying together, determined to support one another and continue their mission of service. The resilience shown by Hope on the Hill Church is a powerful reminder of the strength found in faith and community, even in the face of adversity.
For those looking to support the church during this challenging time, contributions can be made through the GoFundMe link provided above. The spirit of generosity and community support can make a significant difference in helping them recover and continue their vital work in the Holland area.
As the story unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance in our communities and the need for compassion, even toward those who have wronged us. In the words of Pastor Clarkson, “There’s something better out there,” and it is this hope that will guide Hope on the Hill Church as they move forward.