Missing gospel sparks church search appeal (From Bury Times)

Missing gospel sparks church search appeal

6:10am Monday 22nd March 2010

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IT was created 10 years ago to mark the Millennium and celebrate the rich tapestry of Radcliffe’s community.

But in recent years, the document which has become known as the Radcliffe Gospel, has become a thing of mystery.

For no-one knows where it is.

During the year 2000, the Bible Society’s local action group put together a handwritten copy of the gospel of St Luke.

They spent months taking the document around the town, visiting schools, churches and other groups for people to each write a verse.

The finished gospel was handed over to Radcliffe Library in May, 2001, for people to access.

But when Mary Jones, secretary of the action group, wanted to read it in 2005, she realised it had gone missing.

She said: “I have no idea where the book has gone. I don’t know if it has been misplaced or stolen or what has happened to it. I’ve looked everywhere.

“I was very sad when I found out the gospel had gone missing. It’s a unique document and can’t be replaced. I’m very concerned that a valuable record celebrating the millennium has gone missing.”

On the 10th anniversary of the gospel being written, Mrs Jones, of Wingate Drive, Whitefield, has launched an appeal for it to be returned.

She said: “So much work went into putting the book together and I would absolutely love to have it back. It should be looked after properly and available for everyone to look at.

“Gospels were put together in the other parts of the borough as well and it would be wonderful to be able to complete the set.”

* Anyone with information about the gospel can contact Mrs Jones on 0161 766 3070 or 07940 826693.

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