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Gracing the entrance of the sanctuary of First Presbyterian
Church, just east of Town Park Towers, is a rather large
bell. Why is it there? The bell has been part of First
Church since 1869, when our congregation was still housed
in its first building. The bell was cast in the foundry
of William T. Garrett in San Francisco and weighs 1,780
pounds.
 Back
in those days, the women of the church, held suppers,
socials and fairs to pay the cost of the bell …
$1,068.75! When the 1906 earthquake destroyed the building,
the steeple (containing the bell) fell across Second
Street. A nick in the outer rim is the only scar on
the bell from the incident. The bell was installed in
the building at 60 N. Third Street. Debates took place
at that time as to the strength of the building and
its ability to support the bell. Finally it was installed,
and performed its tuneful function, signifying hours
of worship, funerals, etc., until the building was torn
down.
During all of those years the bell was only heard by
human ears, and only seen by the pigeons, birds, and
bats that frequented the belfry. In building churches
today, steeples and belfries are cost prohibitive and
considered a luxury. We are proud to display this glorious
link to our past at the entrance of our "new" sanctuary,
where everyone can see it! We enjoy its beautiful resonance
on special occasions.
-- from a 1973 article by May L. King |
