[MSN] $100,000 Painting Stolen From Sacramento Church

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

$100,000 Painting Stolen From Sacramento Church
Written for the web by C. Johnson, Internet News Producer   
June 7, 2006
 
Someone who probably knew the value of a 19th century painting at a downtown
Sacramento church probably also had a hand in its theft.

Thieves took Mary Park Benton's "Yosemite Valley" from the Pioneer
Congregational Church on L Street. The break-in and theft were reported to
police about 6 a.m. Friday.

The large oil painting was hanging on a wall near the door and was the only
object taken, said Sgt. Terrell Marshall.

Park Benton gave the painting to the church in 1896. She was the
sister-in-law of Pioneer Congregational's founder John Augustine Benton. He
started the church, which was the first in the city, on the Sacramento River
waterfront in 1848.

"It's just something of our church history, our past," said church council
member Don King. "It's just beautiful."

The painting is valued at more than $100,000.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call Crime Alert at
(916) 443-HELP.

Created: 6/7/2006 4:45:22 PM Updated: 6/7/2006 9:04:57 PM 

http://www.news10.net/