Essex County Ontario Provincial Police have launched a major investigation into the theft of a historic church cross dating back to the 19th century that was stolen from a Tecumseh museum earlier this month.
Historic Artifact Missing
The religious artifact, believed to have been created in 1891, served as the original cross for Ste. Anne Parish and holds what police describe as "substantial historic value" to the community. The cross disappeared sometime during the weekend of November 6 to 8, 2025 from a property located in the 12000 block of Tecumseh Road East.
Museum Storage Location
According to OPP spokesperson Steven Duguay, the historic cross was being stored at the Tecumseh Area Historical Society and Museum at 12340 Tecumseh Road East when it was taken. The museum serves as a repository for important local historical artifacts, making this theft particularly devastating for preservation efforts.
Police have confirmed that the cross originates from Ste. Anne Parish, whose earliest records date back to January 1859, establishing its deep roots in the Tecumseh community. The parish church itself has undergone significant preservation efforts over the years, including a major restoration project in 2017 when its steeple was restored and returned to place after being deemed unsafe a decade earlier.
Community Assistance Requested
Authorities are urging anyone with information about this theft to come forward immediately. OPP investigators are particularly interested in:
- Information about the cross's current whereabouts
- Details about suspicious activity observed in the area during the theft window
- Any knowledge about who might be responsible for the theft
Community members can contact the Tecumseh OPP detachment directly at 1-888-310-1122 with any relevant information. Those who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online through the official website at www.catchcrooks.com.
The theft of this 130-year-old religious artifact represents a significant loss to the community's cultural heritage, and police are committed to recovering the important piece of local history.
