Lutz Church Hopes Someone Chimes In On Theft Of Historic Bell

LUTZ, FL -- A Lutz church is missing its large cast-iron church bell, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is hoping someone chimes in on its whereabouts.

The sheriff's office said the massive 116-year-old historic bell was stolen between Feb. 3 and 24 from Christ Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 19501 Holly Lane, Lutz. The bell has an inscription that reads "1903 Lakeland Cumberland Presbyterian Church."

The bell is sentimental to church members. It has been a part of the church for more than a century. It was transported from the church's old location in Lakeland where it sat from 1903-1924.

The bell was mounted on a cast-iron frame on the church grounds. The thieves unbolted the bell and removed it from the property. A brass memorial plaque that reads "In memory of Nancy White" was also stolen off of a tree located next to the bell.

Anyone with information on the bell's whereabouts is asked to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200. To be eligible for a cash reward, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477).

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