Religious Icon Stolen from Stavkirke on Washington Island

A reproduction of a Byzantine-era icon that was donated 23 years ago to the Stavkirke chapel on Washington Island has been stolen.

Pastor Alan Schaffmeyer of the Washington Island Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church said the 8.5” by 11” work went missing in June. Schaffmeyer doubts the work has any meaningful monetary value but said it was a part of the Stavkirke chapel, which is used mainly for an annual Easter celebration as well as for weddings and small ceremonies like christenings. He said the icon has a picture of Jesus in the center and representations of the Gospels. Anyone with information on the theft is encouraged to call Trinity Lutheran Church at 920.847.2341 or the Washington Island Police Department at 920.847.2355.