Gunmen rob Madisonville church

It is not the kind of publicity East Texans want, but neighboring Madisonville made national news recently, after three armed gunmen held up the parishioners of a church. House of Hope is a ministry dedicated to helping rehabilitate people who have run afoul of the law, and they began meeting this summer in the old Madisonville Elementary School. It is supported by eight area churches, including Cowboy Church of Madisonville. During last week's Wednesday night service, reportedly three black men armed with a shotgun and handguns entered and told people to get down. With guns held to their heads, the congregants were instructed to give up their money, wallets and purses.

Police have one suspect in custody and the others have been identified and warrants have been issued for their arrest.

The church met again as scheduled on Sunday.