Heritage plaque stolen from Trinity Anglican Church may not be replaced

The number of bronze plaques stolen in exchange for money continues to grow.

Trinity Anglican Church noticed its heavy, bronze heritage plaque was stolen at the end of April, two months after the perpetrator was caught on security camera, screwdriver in hand, prying it off the front of the Melville Street church.

The plaque, which was given to the church by the Waterloo Historical Society in November 1978, described how the church was built in 1844 by James Fraser and consecrated by John Strachan, Bishop of Toronto.

The nave of the stone church is original and is the oldest stone church in Waterloo region, the plaque said.

A church spokesperson, who wants to remain anonymous for fear of recrimination, said the crime happened at 6 a.m. Feb. 26 and wasn't noticed until the end of April.

Since the plaque was stolen in February, when snow was still on the ground and the perpetrator was clad in a winter jacket, it would be next to impossible to identify him since the camera didn't capture a good shot of his face, she said.

Police were notified of the theft back in the spring, but the church holds little hope the plaque will be recovered and is in the process of figuring out if and how the plaque can be replaced.

Trinity Anglican Church hosts its Community Table luncheons three times a week, offering free meals to those in need, including many who are unsheltered.

It's believed the man who stole the plaque was on foot at the time. No vehicles were parked in the vicinity of the church and the man is seen leaving on foot.

Other historical and commemorative plaques that have been reported missing from the Cambridge area over the last year include a bronze plaque that was installed on a rock cairn at the Dryden Tract trail, and a number of bench plaques taken from Riverside Park in Preston.

The price per pound for bronze is between $2.50 and $3, so, depending on the weight of the plaque, it might fetch upwards of $30 from an unscrupulous scrap dealer. 

"You would think if it showed up at a scrap dealer they would call the church," said the spokesperson.