The Old Church Bell - An Ode

Sung to the tune "Auld Lang Syne"

October 9, 1902

After the fire destroyed the old Congregational Church and melted the bell, Mrs. Elizabeth M. Barrett donated a new bell to be used in the new church. It was delivered to Bank Village on October 9, 1902. This is a newspaper account of that event.

Oct 9,BANK VILLAGE - 1902 

   The church common was the scene of quite a gathering Thursday afternoon, to attend the exercises of formally receiving the new bell, which was rung the first time by its donor, assisted by her little grandchild, Elizabeth Kaiser, whose fairy-like presence gave a pleasing touch to the whole scene. Everyone felt the significance of the occasion and the exercises although brief, were of a dignified and interesting character. Prayer was offered by Rev. W. R. Thompson, followed by the singing of the following ode composed by a descendant of the Clark family, Mrs. Mary M. Tucker, and entitled, "The Old Bell and the New." Tune, "Auld Lang Syne." 

      The old church bell! 
       No one can tell 
   How dear it had become; 
       And when it fell, 
       It tolled a knell 
   Within its burning home. 
       The glad noon bell, 
      The curfew bell. 
   We heard in childhood's days 
      Through wood and dell, 
      Whate'er befell, 
   It was our guide always. 

      If saints who dwell 
      Where no "farewell" 
   May e'er again be heard, 
      Heard our old bell 
      As down it fell, 
   I know their hearts were stirred; 
      No more will swell 
      Tones of that bell 
   As guide or call to us; 
      Farewell, farewell 
      To dear old bell, 
   We've lost our "Angelus."

   Now gather near 
      With grateful cheer 
   Our new bell to uplift, 
      One tender tear 
      For old bell dear 
   Will sanctify the gift, 
      And only prove 
      Our faithful love 
   Will last through coming years; 
      For old love true, 
      Is true to new, 
   And shines in smiles and tears. 

      Three cheers for her 
      Who doth confer 
   This blessing on our town! 
      Kind thoughts of her 
      Will fondly stir 
   Through generations down. 
      Ring out, new bell! 
      With joy-or knell- 
   For worship-or the dead- 
      Swing, ring! and tell 
      When "all is well" 
   From belfry overhead! 

   As Mrs. Barrett left her carriage for her place near the bell, she was met by John Preston, who after a pleasant reference to the old bell that had rung in two centuries, thanked her on behalf of the town for its new and beautiful successor. Mrs. Barrett responded gracefully, hoping the bell might be of service, not only to this, but to coming generations. Cheers for the giver and the gift followed its first joyous greeting. The bell hangs in a temporary structure on the common, from whence it can be conveniently moved to the church tower as soon as it is ready. It weighs some 1540 lbs., cost nearly $400, and in raised letters bears this inscription: "Presented to the town of New Ipswich by Elizabeth M. Barrett, July 15, 1902." It comes from the ancient families of copper and tin, is sweet in tone, handsome in design, and looks to be of splendidly serviceable qualities. Whenever in years to come it shall invite our people to prayer and praise on the Lord's day, or ring for public events that call for joyous or solemn celebration, or send forth its glad announcement of the noon and evening hour, we trust its voice may never fail to echo the memory of her whose name it is destined to perpetuate.

NEW IPSWICH, N. H. (Another news item)

The new church bell reached here last week. It was made by Meneely & Co. of West Troy, N. Y., and its weight is stated to be 1500 pounds. It bears this inscription: "Presented to the Town of New Ipswich, N. H., by Elizabeth M. Barrett, July 15, 1902." It will be placed in a temporary structure erected by Edward Davis on the campus, and rung as occasions demand until the church is erected. 

   The tone of the new bell is in F sharp, one and one-half notes lower than the old bell. The cost was between $400 and $500.

The moment the bell fell

Given by Anna J. McLaughlin. Photo taken just at the moment the bell fell.

One Hundred Formulas -

George Carmichael donated a copy of Stephen A. Thayer’s “One Hundred Formulas” which was published in 1883. It contains recipes from everything from printing ink to pain killers. Today we will share the formula for “Red” the third of the “Druggist Colors”.

This book sold for a dollar and was one of the many enterprises that Steven A, Thayer was involved with (He had a cigar factory too). He had some advice for preparing the recipes.

James Roger diary entry

October 16^th 1908 (Friday)

Fair and warm wind variable and chilly west.  David on roads down town.  I cut sods and put them on Gordon’s lot.  Got letter from Hamish.   Miss Barr & Mrs. Brooks paid their lots today.