Our Historic Bell by Heather Jackson, Chair of the Bicentennial Committee Nestled within the City of St. Thomas, Ontario, stands the historic Old St. Thomas Church, a testament to the enduring legacy of faith and craftsmanship. Among its treasures lies a remarkable relic, the original bell, cast in 1838 by Maj. George Holbrook Bells of Medway, Massachusetts. Weighing an impressive 500 pounds and measuring 28-1/2 inches in diameter, this bell symbolizes the church’s rich history and connects to an illustrious lineage of American craftsmanship. George Holbrook, born in 1767, was apprenticed to none other than Paul Revere, the legendary figure of the American Revolution, renowned for his midnight ride and his skills as a silversmith and bell maker. Under Revere’s tutelage, Holbrook honed his craft, mastering the intricacies of machinist and clockmaker trades, which would later culminate in creating timeless pieces like the bell at Old St. Thomas Church. Originally installed at Old St. Thomas Church in 1838, this bell faithfully served its congregation until the growth of the town and the congregation outgrew its location. In 1877, Trinity Church was built, and St. Thomas Church closed for regular services. For over a century, it resonated with the faithful, tolling the passage of time and marking moments of significance in the community’s life. However, the bell’s journey was far from over. In January 2020, when Trinity Church closed its doors, the bell found a new home at the St. Thomas Islamic Centre, where it continues to stand as a symbol of unity and resilience. In 1951, another bell entered the scene, gifted to the church by the family of a former Wabash Railway Mikado Engine 2268 engineer.
This new addition brought its own resonance, its chime blending with the echoes of history embedded within the church’s walls. Today, as the Restoration and Maintenance Trust endeavours to repatriate the original bell to its rightful place at Old St. Thomas Church, the echoes of its past reverberate with renewed vigour. Guided by Verdin Bells, experts in the art of bell restoration, this endeavor seeks not just to restore a piece of history but to ensure that its voice continues to resonate for generations to come.
In the symphony of time, these bells stand as more than mere instruments; they are guardians of memory, storytellers of a bygone era, and beacons of hope for the future. As they ring out across the landscape of St. Thomas, they remind us of the enduring power of faith, craftsmanship, and community to transcend the boundaries of time and space.
ELGIN Monuments • Engrave on natural stones • Offer pet memorial stones • Restore older monuments What an incredible legacy – happy 200th anniversary!
A toast to 200 years of success – congratulations!
Centre City Realty Inc., Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated RICHARD HADDOW Real Estate Agent 519-495-0789
• Order vases and urns 519.633.1591 www.elginmonuments.com Visit our show room at 220 Edward St., St. Thomas
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OLD ST. THOMAS CHURCH 200th ANNIVERSARY GUIDE
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