Tag Archives: Messenger House

Historic four-story theater building set for demolition


A 92-year-old former school building nestled in the wooded north end is set for demolition next month.

The building has long been vacant and has fallen into disrepair.

Built as part of Moran School in 1918, the four-story building housed an auditorium, library, laboratories, study hall and dormitory. It was later used by a naval academy and then was converted into a movie theater.

Historic preservationists are asking that the owners seek an alternative solution to demolition.

It is a “terribly significant” part of Bainbridge’s history, said city Historic Preservation Commission Chairman Will Shopes during a special commission meeting on Friday.

“I wish they’d try to save it or, if they don’t have the money, try to find someone who does,” Shopes said.

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Nursing home employee arrested for stealing from patients

Bainbridge police arrested a 30-year-old Bremerton man for stealing from patients at the Messenger House Care Center where he worked as a nursing assistant.

The suspect, who was arrested on Friday, admitted to having taken a gold religious pendant worth $1,000 from a dementia patient. He also admitted to stealing a video game console valued at $250 from the Manitou Park Boulevard facility’s common area.

Investigators discovered that suspect had recently pawned items matching the description of items stolen from the facility.

The suspect initially denied stealing the items and accused another person of taking them. After making several inconsistent statements, the suspect admitted stealing the pendent and the video game.

He stated he stole the items because of financial problems, police said.

Investigators are looking into additional theft reports from the Messenger House. Anyone with additional information regarding the thefts is encouraged to contact Bainbridge police at (206) 842-5211.