By Staff
BELL WANTED n Members of East Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church are hoping the missing bell will be found in time for the dedication of the new church. Photo by Carisa McCain/The Meridian Star
By Ida Brown/The Meridian Star
June 16, 2001
What should be a time of great excitement for a local church congregation has been overshadowed by an unfortunate incident.
In a few weeks, the congregation of East Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church will host a dedication service for their new church building. However, the service may be incomplete because the church's historical bell is missing.
While the new church was under construction, the congregation met at another location. The bell was housed at this site.
The bell is estimated to be more than 100 years old and was a fixture in the previous church buildings.
Plans were to have the bell encased as part of the church's sign. The congregation is hopeful they will be able to do so at the dedication service, which is slated for mid-July.
Arrangements to return the bell may be made with the pastor. No charges will be filed and no questions asked.
Construction of the new church, located at 6818 Poplar Springs Drive, began in June 2000. The structure is the third building in the church's 127-year history and is in the same location as the previous church home.
According to Bohannon, the church had outgrown the sanctuary of its previous building, which had a seating capacity of 125. The new building has a seating capacity of 500 and also features a fellowship hall and classrooms in the basement. Current membership is at 190.
The $150,000 building project was funded through a building fund, donations and fund-raisers. The church's next building project will include the addition of a family life center.
Anyone with information about the church bell should call the Rev. Randall Bohannon at 483-2251.
Ida Brown is Lifestyles editor of The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3224, or e-mail her at ibrown@themeridianstar.com.