7-foot bronze lectern stolen from Wilmington church

WILMINGTON (WPVI) -- Wilmington Police are trying to figure out who stole a 7-foot-tall bronze lectern from an old church.

The church's steeple is a historic Wilmington landmark. The 160-year-old building where Cathedral Church of St. John called home until four years ago

The congregation has dwindled, but the building is now getting a new lease on life.

A non-profit called ministry for caring is rehabbing the three-acre complex and will create apartments for low and moderate income seniors.

But there has been a shattering discovery here, a bronze lectern, in use here since 1911, has been stolen -- all 6 feet 10 inches of it, weighing hundreds of pounds.

"The lectern was the beautiful, outspread wings of an eagle it is made of bronze. The bottom had the Twelve Apostles in a circle, then it came up to a lion, then this breathtaking eagle," said Priscilla Rakestraw of the Ministry of Caring.

Police said there was no sign of forced entry. A bonded company has been on site removing asbestos and there are occasional tours through the building.

Police are on the lookout and salvage yards have been placed on notice.

"I can't believe that this part of the church, this part of the community's history is missing," said Rakestraw.

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