Church bell stolen in Gwinnett turns up in Jackson County

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By David Ibata

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A church bell stolen from a Gwinnett County congregation last week was recovered after an alert citizen tipped authorities to its whereabouts, Channel 2 Action News reported.

Channel 2 Action News Sheriff’s officials said the bell, belonging to the Duncan Creek Congregational Church at 3868 Braselton Highway NE, had exchanged hands at least three times since it was stolen.

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The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office told Channel 2 that a man had called to say he had purchased the bell, thinking it was an antique, but realized it was stolen when he saw TV reports on the theft.

Sheriff’s officials said the bell, belonging to the Duncan Creek Congregational Church at 3868 Braselton Highway NE, had exchanged hands at least three times. Authorities continued to investigate and had not charged anyone as of Monday night.

The 100-pound cast-iron bell vanished from its pedestal outside the church sometime between midnight Jan. 22 and midnight Tuesday, according to a Gwinnett County police report.

The church’s pastor, the Rev. Wayne Stancel, said he visited local scrap yards and antique dealers, asking if anyone has seen the bell. He learned the bell could probably bring $15 for scrap, but its memories for church members were priceless.