FORT WALTON BEACH — St. Simon’s on the Sound Episcopal Church’s bell tower has been stolen from a company that was refurbishing it, according to police.
The 12-foot-tall, 10-foot-wide tower was discovered missing early this month from the parking lot of Able Railing & Welding on Stokes Avenue, Fort Walton Beach Police Sgt. Michael Hogan said. Able Railing initially believed Whitrock Associates builders, which had dropped off the tower there to be repaired, had picked it up, Hogan said.
When it was learned that the tower actually had been stolen, it was reported to police Sept. 19.
“It’s just kind of unbelievable. Who would steal a bell tower?” said John Fitzgerald, St. Simon’s facilities manager.
The tower is made of aluminum but has a steel base that became rusted, Fitzgerald said.
The tower had been above the church’s east entrance, said the Rev. Mark Fitzhugh, St. Simon’s rector.
The repairs to the tower were a part of a church restoration project, he said. The bell and wooden cross had been removed from the tower and were not stolen.
Church members have made many contributions for the project, which now likely will be delayed, Fitzhugh said.
“It’s just disappointing,” he said.
Fitzgerald said he believes the tower was installed when the church on U.S. Highway 98 underwent extensive repairs after Hurricane Ivan in 2004. He did not know how much it might be worth, but believed Whitrock's insurance will pay for it.
Hogan said the thieves likely wanted to sell the tower for scrap.