Cherished, 400-pound bell stolen from Sudbury-area church
A Roman Catholic artifact has been stolen from St. Christopher Catholic Church in Whitefish, a small community west of Sudbury.
On Sunday, parishioners discovered the church bell was missing when someone went to ring it at the beginning of mass – only to discover it was gone.
Officials said while the 400-pound bronze bell does have monetary value, there is no price on its historical and sentimental value.
“The value of it would be about $1,200 just in metal value however there is no value you can put on the historical value,” said Ernie Heerschap, parish council chair at St. Christopher Catholic Church.
“People in this area … have heard it during their wedding ceremonies, during christenings, during the beginning of mass. So it has a very emotional connection to the people in this area.”
Heerschap said the bell’s historical significance dates back to 1902 when it was cast at a foundry in Maryland and named Maria.
“This bell is over 120 years old it’s a well-known artifact in the Walden area,” he said.
“It originated up in Victoria mine back in the early 1900s and found a home eventually here at St. Christopher Parish in the 1960s when this church was built.”
A Roman Catholic artifact has been stolen from St. Christopher Catholic Church in Whitefish. On Sunday, parishioners discovered the church bell was missing when someone went to ring it at the beginning of mass – only to discover it was gone. (Alana Everson/CTV News)
Church officials said the theft has been reported to police and they are also hoping the community will help.
“We are asking for people to be aware and have a look out for the bell and for those that are responsible to please return it,” Heerschap said.
“We are always willing to help those if they need help.”
Church officials said the theft of the church bell is shocking and parishioners are saddened by it.
“Today there was a mass and it was part of their prayers,” said Heerschap.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Church officials said parishioners are hoping for a small miracle this Christmas season.
They say anyone can call the parish office to arrange for pick up of the bell with no questions asked.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Arson attacks paralyze French high-speed rail network hours before start of Olympics
Outgoing French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said that sabotage and arson that hit key parts of France's high speed rail network on the eve of the Olympics had 'a clear objective: blocking the high speed train network.'
Canadian Olympic Committee CEO says soccer coach Bev Priestman likely aware of spying
Canadian Olympic Committee chief executive officer David Shoemaker says the head coach of the national women's soccer team was likely aware drones were used to spy on an opposing country's practices in France.
'She led it the whole way': 18-year-old B.C. woman leads hikers to safety in Jasper National Park
As fire threatened people in Jasper National Park, Colleen Knull sprung into action.
DEVELOPING Recent rain, cooler weather limiting spread of wildfires in Jasper National Park
Cool and wet weather is making a difference in Jasper National Park.
Search for missing vulnerable 3-year-old child in Mississauga, Ont. continues
Police say the search for a vulnerable child who went missing in Mississauga, Ont. Thursday evening continues. Three-year-old Zaid, who is described as possibly non-verbal, was last seen at 6:20 p.m. in Mississauga’s Erindale Park, near Dundas Street West and Mississauga Road. He was not wearing shoes or socks at the time.
opinion 'Deadpool and Wolverine' review: A love letter to a bygone era
'Deadpool and Wolverine' is a showcase for the bromance stylings of its stars, who pull out all the stops to cap Fox's Marvel movies.
Stay inside, filter indoor air amid wildfire smoke, respirologist says
A Calgary respirologist is advising people to regularly check the outdoor air quality and stay inside as smoke from the Jasper wildfires blows into other parts of Alberta and possibly beyond.
Canada to bring home fewest Olympic medals since 2012, according to forecaster
Fewer Canadians are expected to reach the Paris podium than in the previous two Olympic Summer Games, a global data analytics company predicts.
Mary-Ellen Turpel-Lafond likely has Indigenous DNA: report
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.