Created: 8/27/2009 10:35:17 PM 
Saluda County, SC (WLTX) - Saluda County authorities have issued a warrant for a Midlands contractor accused of taking thousands of dollars from a church and failing to deliver on his promises.
Pastor Thomas Jones has big plans for his congregation at Philippi Baptist Church in Saluda. But now everything is on hold. "It was horrendous, I was devastated, the members were devastated. We believed that no one would ever do anything like this to a church,"says Jones.
He says in April 2008, the church agreed to have Bernard Fripp, owner of Diversified Services Incorporated build a new 8,400 square foot building to replace the existing one.
"Upon the church feeling comfortable and ready to move, we contracted with him (Fripp),"says Jones.
He says after paying Fripp $50,000 to start the project, the excuses began. "Delay after another, delay after another. With all the delays we began to feel uncomfortable,"says Jones.
Jones says he eventually found out what the project hadn't started. "He (Fripp) informed me that everything is well, although his license was suspended. He promised he would get me certain documents,"says Jones. Documents to show he was able to practice as a general contractor.
But now more than a year later, nothing. Not even a phone call. According to the Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation, Fripp was order to stop practicing as a contractor in November 2008.
News 19 tried to reach him at the address listed with LLR, but no one answered the door. We even called Fripp but got a voice recording that would not allow us to leave a message.
Now Jones and his church members are trying to hold on to their faith. "In all of my closeness, my close walk with God, it is still devastating,"says Jones.
Saluda County authorities say the church has retained a private investigator to find Bernard Fripp. However Pastor Jones says he could not confirm that information.
If you know of Fripp's whereabouts, call Crimestoppers at 888-CRIME-SC.
And if you have a story News 19 can help you with, contact us through News 19 On Your Side at 647-0223 or by email at News19@wltx.com
