Neighbor News
An East Windsor Treasure
If you like old buildings and architecture, Wesley United Methodist Church on North Main Street is a must-see.
On any given Sunday, Quentin Stallings, a lifetime member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Warehouse Point, East Windsor, pulls down on the heavy corded rope attached to the bell in the church tower. The sound can be heard throughout the neighborhood. Three long pulls – a reminder to all in the area, the worship service is about to start.
The history of this beautiful intoned bell begins with the generous gift of Judge Mahlon H. Bancroft in memory of his parents. Made by Menely & Company of West Troy, New York, the bell weighs over 2000 pounds. Keyed in F, it was consecrated on Easter Sunday April 15th1900 and inscribed with the words, “In memory of William and Caroline B. Bancroft, by M. H. B. Easter, 1900.” Every Sunday since the dedication, the bell has lived up to the address made by Mr. Bancroft who, unable to attend in person due to illness, wrote these words, which were read by the Reverend J. A. Wood, Pastor:
“At the laying of the corner-stone of the new church (then known as the Methodist Episcopal Church of Warehouse Point) last September, in connection with other remarks, it was said that the ‘tones of its bell shall ring a welcome call to the worship of the living God.’ I little thought then that the prophecy would be fulfilled so soon. Upon this Easter, we would supplementally say that its tones shall also ring a welcome call to the worship of the living Christ.” (p. 110)
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And so, it has. Each and every Sunday the church bell tolls welcoming all to its historic and sacred interior.
Quentin is most willing to share his bell ringing responsibilities with any child attending the worship service. Over the years, many children of all ages have, with help, taken hold of the rope, pulling down delightedly, as the heavy bell, truly an East Windsor ancient treasure, reverberates a welcoming peal to all who have ears to hear.
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* Citation: “History of the Methodist Episcopal Church” Historical Sketch of Warehouse Point, Connecticut and also of the Methodist Episcopal Church, from 1822 to the Present Time – The new church was dedicated on June 17, 1900. Written on behalf of the East Windsor Historical Society, Museums on the Green, Scantic Road, 115 East Windsor, CT. Come visit.