Far longer than minarets have provided a location for the Islamic call to prayer, bells pealing from the towers of Christian Churches have witnessed to the gift of God's love in Jesus.  St. John's original bronze bell was cast in 1870 by Veazy & White Bell Company of East Hampton, Connecticut (a company best known in the 19th century for making horse sleigh bells featured in the holiday song Jingle Bells).  It was moved to our current worship space when the tower was completed in 1898.

After 115 years of use, the iron supports and ringing mechanisms that allow our bell to peal and toll have failed.  Until they are completely replaced, St. John's bell will ring no more.

Quite unexpectedly, an anonymous donor has contributed the $19,000 necessary to completely re-fabricate in powder-coated steel the entire bell support and ringing mechanisms, giving St. John's bronze bell new life well into the 22nd Century.  This gift is given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Hester Kimpel, a much beloved and recently departed saint from St. John's Parish, whose life was a consistent and powerful witness to the love and power of Jesus.  Thanks to this magnificent memorial gift, we anticipate that our bell will proclaim that Christ is risen from the dead as we celebrate this Spring the Feast of the Resurrection. 

O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.