THEY stood the test of time for more than 100 years, but the gates of the Presbyterian Church could not withstand the vandals of Darlington Point.
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Last week caretaker Bruce Gowrie-Smith was devastated to discover some heartless thieves had come to the church in the middle of the night and made off with the historical gates.
Mr Gowrie-Smith, who bought the old church site to restore it, said it was a low act to steal the gates.
"It's really disappointing to know that the gates have been carried off," he said.
"I walked past to get the milk on Saturday and I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw they were gone."
The gates, which have a distinctive pattern, have guarded the entrance to the church since it was erected in 1893. Mr Gowrie-Smith said he was determined to get the gates back and would make sure the thieves were caught if they didn't return them voluntarily.
"It is common knowledge in the town, the individuals who took the gates from the church," he said.
"They would regain some of their reputation if they returned them to the churchyard.
"The church is a bit of history for the town and I bought it to maintain it for the residents the gates are part of its history and are an asset to the town."
Murrumbidgee Shire mayor Phillip Wells said it was disappointing to know that someone would steal from the old church and urged those responsible to return them.
"To have those gates removed without authority doesn't sit well with the community," he said. "I send out a plea to whoever may have those fates to return them to the rightful owner."