Stolen church bell recovered

BUFORD - Authorities say a bell stolen from a Gwinnett County church last week has been recovered.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office said a man called to say he bought the bell because he thought it was an antique. He told authorities he realized it was stolen when he saw TV reports on the theft.

The sheriff's office said the bell, which belongs to the Duncan Creek Congregational Church, had changed hands at least three times. Authorities were investigating and hadn't charged anyone by Monday evening.

The Rev. Wayne Stancel, the church's pastor, said he visited local scrap yards and antique dealers, asking if anyone had seen the bell. He learned the bell could probably bring $15 for scrap, but said it's priceless to church members.