Reverend's relief as stolen baptismal bowl is returned

A CHURCH congregation has had its prayers answered after thieves returned a valuable silver baptismal bowl just days after stealing it.

The bowl, which dates from the church's opening in 1895, was taken from St John's Church in Mid Street, Bathgate, last Saturday night or Sunday morning, along with a more modern set of silver communion plates – a haul worth around 4,000.

Reverend Duncan Shaw appealed particularly for the return of the bowl because of its historical and sentimental value.

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It has now been restored to its rightful place after it was found a few streets away at the door of St Mary's and St Columba's Catholic Church in Livery Street last Thursday morning.

Mr Shaw said: "We were overwhelmed to have it back."