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Old church bell rings anew in Sooke

Holy Trinity Anglican Church bell rededicated and put into service after 12 years in storage
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Twelve years ago Holy Trinity Anglican Church burned to the ground, and while most of the church’s artifacts were lost in the fire, one special item was saved: the church’s heritage bell.

On June 18, Holy Trinity will rededicate the bell. It was first dedicated in 1919.

The rededication will be presided by Anglican Bishop Logan McMenamie and T’Sou-keFirst Nation spiritual advisor Shirley Alphonse.

The idea to have the 500-pound bell again grace the church was never far from the mind of the congregation and for years sat in storage as parishioners raised money inside and outside the church.

“It was in the old church and when it burned down, the bell fell to the ground, but fortunately it didn’t break,” said Liz Johnson, the church’s warden.

Earlier this year, the church constructed a bell tower, while the cast iron bell was undergoing refurbishment.

“It was always our intent to put [the bell] back up, but first we needed to raise the money and second we thought the 150th birthday would be an ideal time to do that,” Johnson said.

Rev. Dimas Canjura pointed out the church has always been an important part of church life.

In the early days it was used to call parishioners worship and was a focal point for the community.

Holy Trinity has already rung the bell over the last few Sunday and it echoes over the neighbourhood.

“It is a pretty happy time for the congregation,” Canjura said. “They worked very hard to get the bell up.”

Holy Trinity will host a service on June 18 at 10:45 a.m., with the bell dedication set for noon. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony.



Kevin Laird

About the Author: Kevin Laird

It's my passion to contribute to the well-being of the community by connecting people through the power of reliable news and storytelling.
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