ALTON — A historic St. Francis statue reported stolen Sept. 13, 2026, from the garden at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is believed to have been scrapped in Missouri, according to the Alton Police Department.
The statue, which had stood in the garden for decades, has not been recovered. Detectives continuing to investigate the theft have developed information about individuals believed to be responsible, police said. A motive has not been provided.
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“Our detectives have worked diligently to follow the evidence and identify those believed to be responsible for this theft,” Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said.
Ford acknowledged the statue’s importance to the church and those who had cared for it over the years.
“While the statue may not be recoverable, the investigation does not end there,” he said. “As Proverbs 21:15 reminds us, ‘It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.’ We will continue to follow the evidence, pursue accountability, and seek justice in this case.”
The case will be presented to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office for review, police said.
The department thanked St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for its cooperation and acknowledged the loss experienced by the church and those who treasured the statue.
Anyone with information about the theft or the individuals involved is asked to contact the Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 618-463-3505, ext. 635.
