Trustee Wayne Stancel is leading the search for an antique bell that was stolen from Duncan Creek Congregational Church.
A photo of the antique bell stolen from Duncan Creek Congregational Church.
BUFORD, Ga. -- Members of Duncan Creek Congregational Church on Braselton Highway are searching for the thieves who stole their antique bell last week.
"We've got the word out that that we're looking for a bell," church trustee Wayne Stancel told the congregation during Sunday morning service. "Everybody just keep their hopes up, and maybe it'll come back."
PHOTO GALLERY | Church bell stolen by thieves
MORE INFO | What the pastor told the congregation
The 100-pound, cast-iron bell was stolen from its pedestal outside the church early last week.
It was bought by the congregation in 2005 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the church.
"It was an antique bell to replace the original bell that was cracked and sold around World War II," Stancel said. "You know it's not worth anything to anybody but us. To us, it's irreplaceable."
Gwinnett County Police took a report, but church leaders have been the ones doing the digging to try to solve this case. They've notified antique dealers and metal salvage dealers in the area.
"People I've talked to say people will steal anything for the metal to melt it down and use it," Stancel said. "But it's only worth $15 to $20 melted down."
Another church has offered to replace the bell, but members of Duncan Creek Congregational want to wait to see if someone returns their bell first.
"We'd be tickled to death to have our bell back," Stancel said. "No questions asked."