Madison County Sheriff officials are asking the public’s help to locate a bell stolen from a historic church.

Deputies said an antique bell on display outside Waggoners Grove Baptist Church was stolen sometime between March 19 and March 21.

“I’m very upset,” said church member, Marion Deadwyler.

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Deadwyler told Channel 2′s Audrey Washington a church pastor baptized her when she was a little girl.

“We went to a little pool with the pastor some miles away, and later they built a pool here and that’s where my kids were baptized at,” Deadwyler said.

Waggoners Grove Baptist Church opened its doors in 1855 and has been a part of the Madison County community ever since.

It is the oldest historically Black church in Madison County and one of the oldest in the State of Georgia.

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“It’s sad. Especially to come and steal from a church,” said James Deadwyler.

Deputies are now offering up to $1,000 for any information leading to the safe return of the bell.

Marion Deadwyler said she is deeply offended.

“You steal somebody’s property? That makes me angry. Because if you can steal from a church, you can steal from me,” Marion Deadwyler said.

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Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Investigator Chris Guest at 706-795-6220.

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