Craig County joined communities across the nation in commemorating the country’s 250th anniversary through the “Bells Across America” program on July 4.
Churches, fire departments and families were invited to ring bells 13 times at 2:50 p.m. in honor of the nation’s original 13 colonies. In Craig County, the observance coincided with a thunderstorm that brought much-needed rain.
About 25 people gathered at the Craig County Courthouse at 2 p.m., where New Castle Mayor Lenny MacDonald read the Declaration of Independence. Attendees enjoyed “Baltimore Lemonades,” made with a peppermint stick used as a straw, and watermelon donated by Food Country.
At exactly 2:50 p.m., MacDonald rang the courthouse bell 13 times while those gathered cheered as thunder rolled overhead.
At New Castle Christian Church, six to eight members gathered in the church foyer. Holt Hottel rang the church bell and led those assembled in prayer.
A few blocks away at New Castle United Methodist Church, Josh Hancock rang the bell while participants sang “God Bless America.”
Members of Bethel United Methodist Church also participated, taking turns ringing the church bell. Organizers said members reported they “had a good time.”
At Newport-Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, Nancy Sasser served as the bell ringer. Sasser had been in New Castle selling food for the Craig County Historical Society during the Independence Day parade and arrived about five minutes late to ring the bell. She still rang it 13 times, and later learned her pastor and a nearby neighbor had heard it.
At Forks of John’s Creek Christian Church, members gathered at 2:30 p.m. for a brief service before moving into the church vestibule. At 2:50 p.m., four members rang the steeple bell three times each before joining together to ring it a 13th time.
“Our church was happy to be a small part of such a meaningful event across the USA, the Commonwealth of Virginia and Craig County,” Dale King said.
About 22 community members gathered at King Memorial Community Church in Oriskany for the observance. Along with the church bell, participants rang small bells and pots 13 times before singing “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.” Pastor John Norris offered a prayer of gratitude for the nation.
According to Carol Lewis, a clap of thunder followed the prayer, sending participants under the pavilion as heavy rain began to fall. The group continued the celebration with watermelon, cantaloupe, cookies and fellowship.
Bells played an important role in early America before modern communication systems, serving churches, schools and town squares by calling people to worship, announcing the time and warning communities of emergencies.
The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia became the nation’s best-known symbol after being rung to mark significant events, including the public reading of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Bells also rang across the 13 colonies in 1787 to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution.
Craig County plans to recognize that anniversary in September, when students at Craig County High School will ring bells for one minute. The Craig Valley Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will provide the commemorative program and red, white and blue cowbells for participating students.
-The New Castle Record
