DARLINGTON, Pa. — Police said thieves who stole six antique copper kettles from a 210-year-old southwestern Pennsylvania church have also endangered a longstanding tradition.
Elders at the First United Presbyterian Church of Darlington said the antique kettles have been used for decades to churn apple butter each October, a congregational tradition for decades.
South Beaver Township police have notified metal dealers in western Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia to be on the lookout for the kettles, which could be worth up to $300 each.
Church officials discovered the copper pots stolen on Friday morning and said they're so heavy it likely would have taken two people using a truck to steal them.
"The kettles are treasures to us that were donated by our great grandparents," the Rev. Kevin Vosler said. "People will be sad that we won't be making apple butter this year."
South Beaver Assistant Police Chief Jack Mintier said he grew up in the church and is checking up on any lead.
"I'm going to come down hard on them if we figure out who did it," Mintier said.
Officials from the First United Presbyterian Church of Darlington said they are praying for whoever committed the crime.
WPXI
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