Members of a Topeka congregation have a special reason to reflect on forgiveness this weekend. A beloved sculpture, stolen for scrap last fall, is back in place outside their church.

The 10-foot-tall bronze, called “Forgiven Man,” was reinstalled Friday in a courtyard of First Congregational United Church of Christ.

The 350-pound sculpture, valued at $40,000, had been undergoing repairs and refinishing since a tip led to its recovery in rural Topeka last Oct. 11. That was eight days after thieves unbolted it from its pedestal and drove away with it.

Topeka artist Jim Bass, the sculpture’s creator, was on hand for Friday’s reinstallation. He says “Forgiven Man” is more secure now, having been welded as well as bolted to the pedestal.

___

Associated Press Information from: The Topeka Capital-Journal