(Lewis, Iowa) – Russell Hansen, Chairman of the United Congregational Methodist Church’s Board, in Lewis, the Mayor and residents of the City of Lewis, have issued a plea for the return of a large, Liberty Bell. As previously reported on KJAN, it’s believed the UCMC bell was stolen sometime last Friday or Saturday. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate theft, include possible door camera footage. A reward is being offered for the bell’s return, no questions asked.

Hansen said in his message sent to KJAN, “To the person or persons who store the bell from our church – We ( the citizens of Lewis and members of the Church) are a community small in size and numbers. We used to have banks and hotels, A school and gas stations , may things left us that time will never return and we’ve adapted. But a simple bell that used to bring us to church on time so we could worship our God together. Meant a lot to us. Your the reason the bell was important, had you heard it’s calling, you would know the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, love and caring for your neighbors. We ask that you return the bell, so that even you can hear it’s message load and clear. Christ is calling you.”

Anyone with information about the theft, is asked to contact the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, at 712-243-2306.