CBS Atlanta 46Thieves steal bell from Gwinnett County church

Thieves steal bell from Gwinnett County church

Members of the Duncan Creek Congregational Church are distraught over the loss of a historic symbol.

A 100-pound bell that members said represents the more than 150-year history of the church was stolen.

A member noticed the bell missing on Tuesday, since that time members have been trying to get the word out that someone might be trying to sell the bell for scrap metal.

"Someone decided they wanted it worse than we did," Wayne Stancel said.

Stancel has been going to the church for 50 years and his family has been here since the church's founding in 1855.

Stancel said the bell is a replica of a similar bell the church had before World War II.

"That bell was sold for scrap, and we decided in 2005 on the 150th Anniversary to buy a similar bell, build a gazebo and put it up at the church," Stancel said. "I just can't believe someone would steal it. The expense of the bell is not that great, $300 or something, but what it represents is irreplaceable and we would like to have it back if we could."

The bell, according to Stancel, would only get about $20 from a salvage yard. He wants whoever took it to realize how much the bell means to the church.

"We are hoping it doesn't get melted down, because it is irreplaceable to us,"Stancel said.  "Please return the bell, even if we are not here, if your conscience gets to hurting at all, put the bell on the steps; lay it back on the concrete, and we'll be happy then."

If you have any information about the bell you are urged to call the Gwinnett County Police.

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