The Gardnerville Magisterial Court has ordered the reopening of the James E. Marshall United Methodist Church in the Grassfield Community following a recent ruling in which several defendants were acquitted of criminal charges related to alleged trespass and property disputes.
The court’s directive, issued on November 7, 2025, by Stipendiary Magistrate Atty. Patrick G. Tamba, instructed Captain Paul K. Freeman or his deputy immediately unseal and reopen the church premises.
The order follows the court’s judgment on October 17, 2025, which found the defendants not guilty of the charges brought against them.
The case, officially titled United Methodist Church, Liberia Annual Conference by and through Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. vs. Kojo Weeks, Rudolph Marab, Chris Wilson, Samuel Blayee, Baryou Wallace, Chris Wellor, and Famata Keumeh, involved multiple counts including criminal trespass, criminal mischief, theft of property, criminal coercion, and disorderly conduct.
In the court’s ruling, the magistrate directed law enforcement officers to “proceed to the church premises… and have the same open with immediate effect,” further instructing that both parties be placed in possession of the property in accordance with the judgment.
The legal dispute had caused weeks of tension among congregants and a community member after the church building was reportedly sealed pending the outcome of the trial.
Friday’s court order effectively restores access to the church and paves the way for normal worship activities to resume.
Court Clerk Paul H. Peabody signed the official order on behalf of the Clerk’s Office of the Gardnersville Magisterial Court.
With the matter now adjudicated and the defendants cleared, the court’s decision is expected to bring closure to what has been a contentious episode within the Gardnersville religious community.
