Man Charged With Breaking Into Masonic Temple In Manchester

MANCHESTER, NH — Police say that a man broke into the Masonic Temple in Queen City and tried to steal significantly valuable religious items. Joseph McDonough, 30, of Allenstown, was charged with burglary after police responded to the Elm Street temple Friday afternoon. According to the Manchester police, officers found McDonough with a backpack containing several items belonging to the Masonic Temple.

Police responded to the incident around 2:20 p.m. Friday, when several alarms sounded from the building, including the front and rear entrances and the basement. Upon arrival to the temple, officers heard footsteps upstairs and soon saw McDonough walking down the stairs heading toward the front door, with a large backpack on his shoulders. Officers told him to stop and he did. In the backpack were several Masonic Temple items. Police say they are unable to determine the monetary value of the items, but they "definitely hold significant religious value."

McDonough is scheduled to appear for arraignment for the burglary charge at Hillsborough County Superior Court on July 25.

Arrests do not indicate guilt.