Mercy Cross Found At Oklahoma City Scrapyard

UPDATE: 8:04 p.m.

The Mercy Cross has been located at a scrapyard in Oklahoma City.

It is not known immediately if there are any suspects in the theft.

Mercy officials released the following statement after the cross was found.

"We're thrilled to confirm the cross has been found in one piece at an Oklahoma City scrapyard. We're so thankful we can return the cross to the community that loves it so much. Thank you to News9 for helping us get the word out and to the honest Oklahomans who helped us bring our cross home. -- Josh Tucker, Mercy Hospital Logan County administrator

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An eight foot, 5,200 pound steel landmark in Guthrie is gone. The new owner of the huge metal cross said it was stolen in South Oklahoma City.

Now, Mercy Hospital in Logan County wants the public to be on the lookout for it.

Logan County Hospital has been empty and abandoned since the 1970's, but if you haven't been to Guthrie lately, you'll notice the big 8 foot cross that was up here is gone. It was taken down to be restored and moved to the new Mercy location, but it was stolen in Oklahoma City before that could happen.

"I remember it being there from the time it was born and something that meant a great deal to me because of my religious conviction," Guthrie native, John Underwood said.

Underwood reflects while working to restore an old home in his neighborhood. About two weeks ago, he noticed the cross from the hospital he was born, being taken down.

"I hope that it will be put to good use, as I hoped that the building would be put to good use," he said.

Mercy Hospital Logan County is praying it can still put the cross up at its 200 S. Academy location as planned. The 5,200 pound steel cross was being restored to its old glory, when the shop working on it called to say it was missing.

"Heartbroken, really devastated me that someone would steal that," Mercy Hospital Logan County Administrator Josh Tucker said.

Underwood was shocked when we told him the un-Christian like act that's happened.

"I had no idea," he said. "That's a terrible crime. Somebody's done something awful and they'll pay for it eventually."

Mercy Administrator Josh Tucker is not saying the name of the shop from where it was taken at this time, but does say it disappeared on Sunday.

"It's not the landmark itself, it's the symbolism," Underwood said.

Underwood said he turns to religion and his son Evan to teach forgiveness.

"We can't help but feel shame for the people who do these type of things," he said.

He hopes the thieves look at their lives and learn to do the right thing.

"Anything's possible," Underwood said. "Anything's possible with God."

If you know have any information about this crime, call Crimestoppers at 800-632-TIPS or 405-415-5666 or online at okccrimetips.com. Tips can remain anonymous.