Richard Morais, Gleaner Writer
A SUSPECT is now in custody in connection with the theft of the 200-year-old one-tonne brass lectern from the St. Peter's Falmouth Anglican Church.
The police confirmed that the person was picked up on the weekend and is being interro-gated; no charge has, however, been brought against the suspect. On Sunday, rector of the church, Father Michael Brown, told a correspondent that he is still shocked at the theft.
"It is as if a member had passed," Father Michael said. Father Michael said his greatest fear is that it may be smelted, and expressed a hope that "people will once again see this marvel."
Present Governor-General Award winner for Trelawny and long-time member of the church, Mrs. Beryl McLean, is equally bewildered. "We are so upset and bewildered, when we went to church it was as if we were not there," she said.
Ninety-eight-year-old Berty Johnson, who has attended the church for all his lifetime, said he was similarly shocked and dismayed. He said that for over nine years the eagle has greeted him at worship and he is distressed.
Meanwhile, rumours continue to swirl around the theft, the latest being that the precious lectern has resurfaced in New York. While putting no credence to this rumour, members are saying that this may not be far-fetched as the theft was orchestrated with high precision, without even a trace of evidence that may point to its perpetrators.
