Image of Hopewell Hill Trinity United Church bell by Dawne McLean Submitted by: Dawne McLean, ACHS President
The July 5th “R. B. Bennett Day” celebration was truly a historical event enjoyed by the community! The celebration began with the “outdoor” unveiling of the historical church bell recently removed from the Hopewell Hill Trinity United Church. This treasured artefact was generously donated by Shelley (West) Garnhum and Charlotte (West) Love to the R. B. Bennett Commemorative Centre at the Museum. To be displayed at the event the bell was supported from a constructed frame designed to allow the bell to be rung by pulling the original rope. The engraved names on the bell of Croyden England, 1937 and Gillett & Johnston, provided the important history of the foundry in England where the bell was cast and the year. Hearing the chimes of the bell was greatly appreciated and inspired nostalgic memories for many in attendance!
The unveiling of the bell included three representative groups:
The July 5th “R. B. Bennett Day” celebration was truly a historical event enjoyed by the community! The celebration began with the “outdoor” unveiling of the historical church bell recently removed from the Hopewell Hill Trinity United Church. This treasured artefact was generously donated by Shelley (West) Garnhum and Charlotte (West) Love to the R. B. Bennett Commemorative Centre at the Museum. To be displayed at the event the bell was supported from a constructed frame designed to allow the bell to be rung by pulling the original rope. The engraved names on the bell of Croyden England, 1937 and Gillett & Johnston, provided the important history of the foundry in England where the bell was cast and the year. Hearing the chimes of the bell was greatly appreciated and inspired nostalgic memories for many in attendance!
The unveiling of the bell included three representative groups:
- Members of the Hopewell Hill Trinity United Church: Clyde Newcomb, Ralph Wells, Janet (Wells) Hoar and Stephen Holmstrom.
- Donors of church bell: Shelley (West) Garnhum and Charlotte (West) Love.
- Family members of late William Herridge, nephew of R.B. Bennett: Elizabeth Herridge, Catherine Herridge and James Hayes.
Image of Cake Cutting by Dawne McLean Left to Right: Elizabeth Herridge, Catherine Herridge, James Hayes (standing in back) The R. B. Day programme continued in the Community Hall with ACHS President, Dawne McLean, introducing the dignitaries in attendance. Representing Fundy Albert were Mayor Jim Campbell and Councillors, Jim Coates and Jeff Land. Jason Thorne, Deputy Mayor of the Town of Riverview and William MacCallum, Chair of CCRC also brought greetings.
The history of the “Trinity United Church” and the “Story of the Church Bell” with a “Photo Slide Show” was presented by church members, Janet (Wells) Hoar and Ralph Wells.
Ballet performances by “Pointe Taken Dance” studio performers, Anabelle Porter Audet and Evelyn Mercer were very much enjoyed.
The 155th birthday of RB Bennett was commemorated by the official cutting of the birthday cake by the Herridge Family members who travelled great distances to attend and participate in R.B. Day. The family members offered words of appreciation to the ACHS and Museum for the annual R. B. Day event. They felt honoured to participate in the unveiling of the church bell, and to hear the amazing story of the bell which was donated by R.B. Bennett to the Trinity United Church. The bell was shipped from London, England, arriving at the Hopewell Hill wharf to then be transported by horse and wagon to the church to be installed in the belfry in 1937.
The Albert County Historical Society is honoured and grateful to have this extraordinary artefact of the Trinity United Church bell, now added to the collection of the R. B. Bennett Commemorative Centre to become a special exhibit with an amazing story to be shared!
The history of the “Trinity United Church” and the “Story of the Church Bell” with a “Photo Slide Show” was presented by church members, Janet (Wells) Hoar and Ralph Wells.
Ballet performances by “Pointe Taken Dance” studio performers, Anabelle Porter Audet and Evelyn Mercer were very much enjoyed.
The 155th birthday of RB Bennett was commemorated by the official cutting of the birthday cake by the Herridge Family members who travelled great distances to attend and participate in R.B. Day. The family members offered words of appreciation to the ACHS and Museum for the annual R. B. Day event. They felt honoured to participate in the unveiling of the church bell, and to hear the amazing story of the bell which was donated by R.B. Bennett to the Trinity United Church. The bell was shipped from London, England, arriving at the Hopewell Hill wharf to then be transported by horse and wagon to the church to be installed in the belfry in 1937.
The Albert County Historical Society is honoured and grateful to have this extraordinary artefact of the Trinity United Church bell, now added to the collection of the R. B. Bennett Commemorative Centre to become a special exhibit with an amazing story to be shared!
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