FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF CLAY CITY, ILLINOIS

    When our new church was built in 1989, the old steeple and bell were removed from the original church, built in the 1800s. It was carefully placed, intact, on the South West corner of the church lot, on the corner of South West 5^th and South West Illinois Streets. Deacon Howard Gardner continued to ring the bell as long as he was able. After Howard passed away others would ring it from time to time. Even though, when it was first placed there, I am sure they were thinking it would just be for a few months, the years really took their toll on the old steeple. We became concerned that it may actually fall and hurt someone.

   After a series of different bell committees meetings, it became apparent that the congregation was not able to reach a consensus for the bell tower construction. Soon after attending to our church, Charles Byles talked to Pastor Brad about the need to erect a new bell structure. Charles proved to be the spark that finally got the project off and rolling. A new committee was appointed and work began almost immediately.

    After surveying various bell-mounting structures, it was decided to have Charles draw up our own specifications for a new steel structure. Charles soon had a plan formulated, and was approved, by the committee. Charles and his son Travis Byles, presently serving in the United States Navy, did the fabrication and welding on the structure. The father and son team also tore down the old steeple and disposed of the debris. After 20 years of homelessness, the bell was finally permanently mounted in the new tower on March 28^th, 2009. This was a tremendous accomplishment for our congregation. We are very proud of our new tower, our refurbished bell, and our new church sign.

    Besides Charles and Travis, there are many businesses and individuals we would like to thank at this time. DAKFAM, INC., owned by Mr. Peter Dakuras, furnished the steel materials for the bell tower and the shop to do the fabricating and welding.. Christopher Young, an employee of DAKFAM, suggested a cross be placed on the top of the bell tower and reminded us that everything points to the cross. Josh Sullens got paint donated from Sherwin-Williams and painted the bell tower. M&M Pump Supply sandblasted the tower and the bell. Dick Young paid for the sand blasting. Ron Courson, also an employee of DAKFAM, helped in the shop with cleaning and sand blasting. Dick Young transported the new structure to the church for installation.

    Gene Iffert of Iffert Electric, donated his time and line truck to dig the holes for the new tower. This saved us hours of labor. Charles Byles donated the cement for the new tower base. Ray Williams owner of R.W.C.I., donated the use of a man lift for painting the new tower. Richard Wells donated the fork truck and driver to remove the bell from the old steeple base, and Jeff Dehart used M & M’s forklift to install the refurbished bell in the new tower. This also was all donated.

     Shelby Britton and his crew helped unload the new sign from the truck and made a much-appreciated donation toward the purchase of the new sign. Lester Lynch and Charles Byles did all the electrical work for the new church sign.

     Several other people made donations to help this dream become a reality. It only took a few months to raise all the money needed for our new sign. We are so grateful for every penny that was given and every bit of help that was donated.

      Most of all, we want to thank God for allowing us to live in a community where folks still help one another and greater yet, for sending His Son, Jesus Christ into this world to die for our sins that we might have the freedom and purpose for ringing the bell each Sunday morning. Ron Courson and his “Kids Crew” have taken the responsibility for ringing out a joyful noise each Sunday Morning

   The Bell tower Committee consisted of Charles Byles, Dick Young,  Lester Lynch, Josh Sullens, and Pastor Brad Harris.

   Please plan now to join us on this special day of celebration. Again, it is August 23^rd starting with Sunday School at 9:30, worship service at 10:30, carry-in dinner at noon and special dedication service at 2:00PM. There will be no evening service on the 23^rd. You are all invited to attend. For more information, please call Pastor Brad at 618.843.0554.