Calvary Baptist Church Welcomes Historic Bell to Its New Home
Calvary Baptist Church in Tilton, IL, has recently been blessed with the return of a significant piece of its history—a bell originally installed in the old Calvary Baptist Church building on 11th Street in Danville in 1910. Bill Nabors, one of the church’s trustees and a dedicated church historian, shared the fascinating journey of the bell in an interview.
The bell, which Nabors believes was acquired by the trustee board or building committee back in the day, played a central role in the church’s activities. “The bell was rung every Sunday morning, at weddings, funerals, Easter, Christmas, and even on New Year’s Eve,” Nabors recalled. This made the bell a symbol of continuity and tradition for the congregation.
A Symbol of Heritage and Continuity
Nabors highlighted the dual significance of the bell: “First, it represents the rich history of Calvary Baptist Church, being 114 years old now. Second, it symbolizes our church’s heritage and continuity.” He reminisced about notable events associated with the bell, including the memory of Henry Hammer, a devoted church member who faithfully rang the bell and served on the trustee board despite being unable to read or write. Nabors and another trustee, Larry Taylor, both shared fond memories of assisting Hammer with the bell, illustrating the deep personal connections formed around it.
The Journey to Its New Home
The process of relocating the bell to its new home was not without challenges. After the old church building was repurposed and eventually torn down, the bell disappeared. Nabors recounted how a family in the church discovered the bell hanging in a tree at the corner of Williams and Chandler in Danville. They took on the task of restoring the bell, involving sandblasting and painting to return it to its former glory.
With the unwavering support of the trustee board and the tireless efforts of many, the bell was finally brought to Calvary Baptist Church. Nabors emphasized the dedication of the trustee board and the collaborative spirit of the congregation in making this possible.
Dedication Ceremony
The dedication ceremony for the bell will take place during the Sunday service on June 30, 2024. It was a momentous occasion filled with joy and reverence as the congregation gathered to witness the bell’s official return to Calvary Baptist Church. Nabors, along with other church leaders, spoke about the bell’s historical significance and the journey it had taken to come back home. The ceremony included the ringing of the bell, which resonated through the church, symbolizing a bridge between the past and the present.
Future Plans and Personal Reflections
Looking ahead, Nabors sees the bell being used in various church activities and services. On the Sunday before the 4th of July, the bell will be rung to mark its new chapter at Calvary Baptist Church. Nabors shared his hope that the bell will continue to create new memories for the congregation while honoring the past.
Personal memories are deeply intertwined with the bell’s history. Nabors shared stories of past church members like Leonard and Lula Beauvois, whose simple acts of kindness left lasting impressions. These memories, coupled with the return of the bell, serve as a reminder of the church’s enduring legacy and the importance of remembering and honoring the past.
Enhancing Worship and Celebrating Heritage
The presence of the bell enriches Calvary Baptist Church’s worship experience by connecting the present with the past. While Nabors acknowledges that the impact of the bell will vary for each person, he believes it will become a cherished part of the church’s history for future generations.
As Calvary Baptist Church continues to move forward, the bell stands as a testament to the church’s resilience and faith. Nabors reflected on the words of Pastor Bennett, emphasizing the church’s vision and God’s provision: “We have never borrowed money, and God has always provided. I believe this bell came to us at just the right time for a specific purpose.”
The historic bell, now back at Calvary Baptist Church, symbolizes not just the past but also the bright future ahead, as the church continues to grow and serve its community.
Calvary Baptist Church Welcomes Historic Bell