100-year-old lectern stolen from Kensington church
KENSINGTON (WPVI) -- Police are looking for the thieves who stole a 100-year-old brass lectern from a church in Kensington.
Standing more than five feet tall, the brass lectern has been a point of pride for the Free Church of St. John.
The church has been in the community for 150 years.
Allyson Ross is a 20 year member.
"It's this beautiful eagle and the scripture readings are done from there on the wings of eagles," she said.
It's been in St John's sanctuary for 100 years.
However now the iconic symbol is gone. It was stolen from the house of worship when no one was around.
A member discovered the break-in on Wednesday afternoon.
"He went to look at the door and it was open and smashed in," said Ross.
The thieves made off with the lectern at some point between Monday night and early Wednesday morning.
Officials don't believe it was a solo job. The Eagle podium weighs about 150 pounds
"The thing is not easy to move around. It takes two to three guys to take it out or to lift it," said Roberto Morales, parishioner.
Also stolen were two large wooden chairs used by bishops.
Due to financial constraints at the Episcopal church there is no appointed bishop but all of the good will and work performed is done by volunteers.
The leaders of the church say they would actually help the people who stole from them.
"It makes me sad that someone needs the money they could have just come to us we would have done whatever we could to help them," said Ross.
Despite the major loss, members still went forward with their community dinner and evening prayer but they moved it outside to the courtyard.
The church would like their symbol of faith back where it belongs but say they are praying for the burglars and focusing on the big picture
"It's just stuff and we have each other and this congregation and we have the kids here we work with and for that we are grateful," said Ross.
Meanwhile East Detectives are searching for fingerprints as they continue to investigate.
