San Antonio, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The St. James AME Church in San Antonio received a generous donation of a new 5-ton air conditioning unit after the original was stolen. Local HVAC company Above All Air and its supplier quickly provided and installed the replacement unit, ensuring the church can operate comfortably during the summer. The community responded with overwhelming support following news of the incident, with at least 15 offers for help coming through social media. An ongoing police investigation is looking into the theft, highlighting the vulnerability of small institutions.
San Antonio
St. James AME Church in San Antonio received a donated replacement 5-ton air conditioning unit after the church’s original unit was stolen overnight on August 2. The replacement unit was donated and installed by a local family-owned HVAC company and a supplier within three days of the company learning of the theft. The theft remains under investigation by San Antonio police.
Key details
The church lost its main cooling system when the 5-ton unit was taken in the early hours of August 2. Replacement costs were beyond the congregation’s financial means, creating concern about coping with summer heat inside the building. A local news report brought attention to the incident, prompting community offers of assistance. Following the report, church leaders received at least 15 offers of help, most of them submitted via Facebook comments.
Responding to the community need, Above All Air, a family-owned HVAC company, and their supplier, Reese HVAC, provided a complete replacement unit and performed the installation. The company co-owners became aware of the theft through community channels and chose to help. The new unit is now operational and serving the church building, including areas used by the choir and organ, restoring a comfortable environment for services and activities.
Support and response
Community reaction included multiple offers of assistance after the broadcast report. The donated solution was carried out quickly: the local HVAC business coordinated with their supplier to secure a new unit and carried out installation work within a three-day window from when the company committed to help. The church leadership expressed gratitude for the community support and the restored cooling capability.
Investigation and context
San Antonio police continue to investigate the theft. Church leaders and community members noted surprise that thieves targeted a house of worship, and the incident highlighted vulnerability of small institutions to the loss of costly exterior equipment. The event took place during hot summer conditions, increasing the urgency to restore air conditioning for comfort and the preservation of musical instruments and building contents.
Additional background
The HVAC company involved cited a faith-based mission that influenced its decision to donate labor and equipment. The supplier contributed the unit that was installed. The swift resolution reduced the immediate risk of heat-related discomfort for congregants and enabled the church to resume normal operations with reliable cooling.
What remains outstanding
The theft investigation is ongoing and no arrests or official case outcomes have been reported at this time. The church continues to work with local authorities as they follow leads and gather evidence. Church leadership continues to accept community offers for non-technical support while the building’s critical systems are now restored.
Summary
- Incident: 5-ton air conditioning unit stolen overnight on August 2.
- Response: At least 15 community offers of help after a local news report.
- Solution: Local family-owned HVAC company and supplier donated and installed a new unit within three days of committing to help.
- Status: New unit is operational; theft under investigation by San Antonio police.
FAQ
What happened to the St. James AME Church air conditioning unit?
The church’s main 5-ton air conditioning unit was stolen overnight on August 2, leaving the building without its primary cooling system.
Who provided the replacement unit?
A local family-owned HVAC company, working with a supplier, donated and installed a new 5-ton air conditioning unit for the church.
How quickly was the replacement installed?
The donated air conditioning unit was supplied and installed within three days of the company committing to help.
How did the church receive offers of help?
Community members offered assistance after a local news report highlighted the theft; at least 15 offers were received, primarily through Facebook comments.
Is there an ongoing investigation?
Yes. San Antonio police are investigating the theft and no final case outcome has been announced.
Key features of the replacement and response
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Stolen item | 5-ton outdoor air conditioning unit |
| Date of theft | Overnight, August 2 |
| Replacement provided by | Local family-owned HVAC company (donor) and supplier |
| Installation timeframe | Installed within three days of company commitment |
| Community response | At least 15 offers of assistance, mainly via Facebook comments |
| Investigation status | Active investigation by San Antonio police |
Timeline
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Overnight, August 2 | Main 5-ton A/C unit stolen from St. James AME Church | Theft reported to church leadership; police notified |
| About two weeks after August 2 | Local report highlighted the theft and the church’s need | Community became aware and began offering assistance |
| Within three days after company committed | Replacement unit donated by HVAC company and supplier; installed | Unit operational; church cooling restored |
| Ongoing | Police investigation into the theft | Active; no public resolution reported |
Simple visual statistics
Community offers received: 15
Installation speed: 3 days (from company commitment to operational)
Primary channel for offers: social media (majority via Facebook comments)
Notes: Visual elements display relative values for quick reference. Exact financial values for replacement were not provided.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Gloria Solis
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- KSAT News: San Antonio ISD HVAC Upgrades
- Google Search: San Antonio
- Express News: Mission Concepcion Preservation
- Google Scholar: San Antonio
- Express News: Alamo Restoration Projects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio
- Dignity Memorial: Richard Flores
- Google News: San Antonio
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
