A small Northland congregation is pleading for the return of its century-old bell – but also offering forgiveness and even help to those in such need they resort to stealing from churches.
The large bronze bell was stolen from a wooden bellcote in front of St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, on the main street of Rāwene, earlier this month.
Long-time parishioner Patricia Potter said the theft was discovered just before last Wednesday’s service.
“The person that usually rings it went out there to ring, as usual, and the bell had gone. We were in shock. It was an unbelievable situation in some ways. But it happened, and there’s no sign of it at all.”
The historic bell was taken some time between then and the previous Wednesday, 15 July.
While the bell was in a wooden bellcote by the church door, rather than high in a tower, parishioners were still surprised it was taken.
“It’s been there for so long. It’s part of Rāwene’s history,” she said.
Potter said the theft had been reported to police. They responded quickly and sent a forensics specialist to look for evidence.
She said the church was keen to have the bell returned.
“But we certainly don’t want vengeance, and we don’t want retribution or anything like that. Our pathway would be forgiveness. That’s part of our faith, of living our faith every day.”
Joseph Land, of nearby Whirinaki, was among those attending Sunday’s service.
He said the church was built in 1917 with two towers, one of which housed the bell.
A photo taken before the theft shows the historic bell still in place.
Supplied / Bang Dinh
When the towers became unsafe and had to be removed, the bell was placed in storage.
“But somewhere around year 2000, restoration was done inside the church. At that time the bell was put into its present place outside, easily accessible to be rung again.”
The work was carried out by local kaumātua Arthur Perry and Buster Hency, among others.
“And so the bell’s been there ever since, unmolested, for 25 or so years. It’s a bit of a surprise that it’s vanished. It’s sad, really, because it’ll be sold for a pittance, and buying a new bell costs quite a lot. It’s a complete waste.”
Land also appealed for the bell’s return.
“It’s not really going to bring you much, and if you need money that desperately, come and see me, and I’ll make sure you’re all right,” he said.
“But really, don’t destroy a taonga that’s been here for over 100 years in Rāwene, and was put here for the community, by the community.”
That was echoed by the parish priest, Father Bang Dinh.
“We share what we have. If they [the thieves] need food or something we will share with them.”
Far North police area commander John Fagan said the bell was “a substantial and distinctive item”, measuring more than half a metre in height and diameter.
Its removal would have required considerable effort and likely the use of a vehicle.
The bell was taken from this wooden bellcote sometime between July 15 and 22.
RNZ / Peter de Graaf
“We are asking anyone currently in possession of the bell to please make arrangements for its safe return to the church. The congregation hopes this treasured community item can be returned without further damage or loss.”
Anyone with information about the theft or bell’s whereabouts could contact police via the website 105.police.govt.nz or by calling 105 and quoting file number 260722/5191.
Information can also be passed on anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Fagan said the church itself was locked and secure at the time of the theft.
Services are held at St Charles Borromeo every Wednesday at 9am and every second Sunday at 11am.
The church was one of many built in Northland by the renowned missionary builder Father Charles Kreymborg, also known as Pā Karora, in the early 20th century.
His other churches include those at Panguru, Lower Waihou and Mitimiti.
