Who would steal a crucifix from a church? This SC university wants to know

A large crucifix was among the items stolen from the chapel at a South Carolina university.

The crucifix, valued at $7,000, was stolen from Charles E. Daniel Memorial Chapel on the Furman University campus, according to multiple reports. The crucifix is believed to have been stolen in late October or November.

Also stolen were two paraments – fabric adornments – and a peace pole, according to wyff4.com, adding that the purple paraments are valued at about $1,000, and the peace pole at about $400.

Students noticed the items were missing as they were setting up for a recent church service.

“In 15 years, I’ve never had anything like this happen,” university chaplain Dr. Vaughn CroweTipton said, foxcarolina.com reported.

He said the crucifix is between 6 to 7 feet tall on a pole, and heavy. The wooden, hand-carved cross is probably 2 1/2 to 3 feet in height and about four inches deep.

“It’s lovely,” CroweTipton said to greenvilleonline.com. “It’s a beautiful piece of art, along with being a liturgical item.”

Furman University Police are investigating the incident and a reward is being offered for information in the theft.

CroweTipton said a new crucifix has since been purchased to replace the stolen one.

“It’s a sense of frustration that somebody would take those items. It’s a little hard to understand why somebody would want them or what they were going to do with them,” he said, according to wyff4.com.

CroweTipton also mentioned the stolen items weren’t cheap, but can’t imagine anyone getting a lot of money for them, foxcarolina.com reported.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC, or click or tap here for the link.

This story was originally published January 22, 2018 at 7:54 PM with the headline "Who would steal a crucifix from a church? This SC university wants to know."