First a hurricane, then a theft

It's been a rough few years for the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Biloxi, Miss. First there was Hurricane Camille. Then there was Hurricane Katrina. The church was demolished. And now a thief has apparently stolen the church's century-old silver vessels (below), among them a dish donated by the family of Jefferson Davis. The church is currently being led by the Rev. Jane Bearden, a priest of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, who was sent to Biloxi as part of the Massachusetts Diocese's relief effort.

From the Sun Herald of Biloxi:

"Taken from a locked closet near the row of choir robes was a duffle-style suitcase that held the Jefferson Davis chalice and paten; two cruets, or pitchers; two flagons, or large pitchers; and a lavabo, or small finger bowl. All the pieces were sterling silver, were inscribed and were memorial gifts to the church throughout the years. It is a lot of silver and a lot of history, explained Bearden, who has been with the church since 2007 and will be filling in for the Rev. Harold Roberts while he is on sabbatical. The Jefferson Davis piece had been with the church for more than 150 years. It had been used during regular services each week, but also as part of parishioners' weddings, funerals and baptisms."

(Photo courtesy of the Rev. Jane Bearden.)