Parish offers reward

Seeks the return of church heirloom

By: Joseph Harvie
   The parishioners of the St. Cecilia’s R.C. Church are offering a $400 reward for the safe return of a silver trowel used to place the cornerstone of the church’s original building on Old Ridge Road.
   The engraved trowel was saved to commemorate the construction of the original church in 1914, the Rev. Sylvester Cronin said. The church moved to its current location on Kingston Lane, near the intersection of Georges Road, in December 1989.
   The trowel was reported stolen on Oct. 17, but may have been taken prior to that, said Detective James Ryan, South Brunswick police spokesman.
   Between Saturday and Monday, three parishioners offered the cash reward for the trowel’s return, Father Cronin said.
   The trowel was on top of a piece of satin in an unlocked Plexiglas container, which sat on top of the original cornerstone, Father Cronin said. If it is returned, the container would be locked next time, he added.
   Father Cronin said the church won’t press charges. In fact, he has asked his parishioners to not only pray for the trowel’s return, but for forgiveness for the burglar.
   "Let’s see if we can’t get someone’s conscious motivated," Father Cronin said. "And they will realize the trowel doesn’t belong to them. It belongs to the people of the parish. It is sentimental. They can drop it off, or deliver it in the mail. No questions will be asked. If they had it and are now embarrassed, they can leave it in the church."
   Anyone with information should call the police nonemergency number. (732) 329-4646.