Webster Word

The Big Church Bell

By Mary L. Muir

Did you ever wonder about the big Church bell in the front yard at Webster Church? When my family first moved to Webster in 1932, the bell was way up in the top section of the steeple. To ring it, there was a long heavy rope hanging down in the corner of the narthex ceiling. This rope had knots, much like the ones for climbing the gym ropes at schools. Only with this rope, as you pulled, it came down and you could move up a knot and pull some more. As you got old enough, you would try to ride to the ceiling as the rope returned upward. I did touch the ceiling many times – what a thrill as the Bell started to ring!

Every Sunday, the Bell rang before Sunday School and then again a little before Church. After my family built the house where I still live in early 1938, I can remember the Bell was a warning to hurry across the road. The Bell also rang before weddings and funerals or at any special gatherings. If the Bell rang during the week, it usually meant a death or the need to get in touch with each other. I remember the day it rang and my Mother said, “Oh, no. That must be for Margie Hopkins!” This was in the mid 1930s. Mother was right – Margie had passed away. She was a cousin to Ruth Walker and Libby Silver. What a sad day, as she was only in her teens.

Another time we always rang the Bell was New Year’s Eve. Quite often, parties were held at our house. Around 11:30 p.m., we all went over to the parsonage for a few words about the coming year and prayers. Just a few moments before midnight, we went to the Church to ring the Bell. After we yelled, “Happy New Year,” we set off Roman Candles. Since whole families attended, it was lots of fun.

Now you have all heard of “Bats in the Belfry.” Well, we had too many bats and other birds in our belfry. A stand was made outside on which to set the Bell, and the National Guard from Havre de Grace agreed to bring a crane to remove the Bell from the steeple. The crane went up through the narthex to the very top of the steeple, hooked the Bell on, and brought it down and out through the doors. What a sight – sad in some respects, but yet wonderful to be able to keep the Bell and still ring it here at the Church. Many people came to watch and also to hear the Bell’s first ring outside of its natural surroundings. Yes, it sounded just great! It really should be used more now. That is the reason it is here – to enjoy.

One more thing about the belfry. You could climb a ladder straight up to the top of the steeple, stand near the Bell, and look out the windows. Yes, I’ve been up there quite a few times. My brother John, who was four years older than I, took his boot training over at Bainbridge. While on Guard duty, he could see a light off in the distance. His commanding officer told him it was a cross on a church. After some checking, John found out it was Webster Church. This made him more homesick, so he and I figured out that if I went up in the belfry at a certain time once a week, he would feel better. He would always say, “Hi, Mary Louise” and I answered back, “Hi John. See you later. I love you.” It made him feel connected to the family. Of course, I had several male friends who went up with me.

You can see I have great memories of the Webster Church Bell. I hope each of you will build your own memories – a service, a wedding, anything hearing the Bell ring! I want it to ring on a regular basis again. I especially feel the children should respect the Bell, but also be allowed to ring it at times. I did, and each time I hear it now, those wonderful memories return.