A dream that began in the 1960s finally is a reality for members of First Presbyterian Church. The final bells have been installed in the church tower at 2101 N. Herritage St.
The Henry Walker family began the process with a donation for the actual construction of the tower, but years flew by without the installation of the bells. It became a passion of Dr. Sam Parker to see the project completed, but he died before this could take place.
Since his death, his widow, Fran Parker, has donated funds for the first four bells in his memory and started an aggressive nationwide fundraising endeavor among family, friends and fellow congregation members.
Many people who loved Dr. Parker and the church have made donations in his memory, those of other loved ones, in honor of many and simply to be part of the “joyful noise.”
The bells were cast by the Petit and Fritsen Bell Foundry, The Royal Dutch Bell Founder, in Aarle-Rixtel, Holland, under the direction of Harry Van Bergen of the Cleveland, Ohio, company by the same name.
They weigh from 150 to 550 pounds and were installed under the guidance of the First Presbyterian Church Facilities Committee and Chairman David Williams in 2008 and Chairman Pat Johnson in 2012.
The bells herald special events or worship services at the church, and add a moment of joy to the air when they ring daily. Fran Parker and the church family hope that when the bells toll, they will be a blessing for all the Kinston community and a daily reminder of God’s love.