Each Sunday morning at around 10:50 am the West Norton Bell rings to help prepare the congregation for a time of worship. The bell was brought to the Norton United Methodist Church at the time of merger with the West Norton United Methodist Church in the early 1990's. Bernard Farmer, a long time member of West Norton led the efforts to have the bell installed and displayed in a proper cupola. Mr. Farmer had seen a belfry in the Ashville, North Carolina area, he contacted a local brick mason to arrange for the construction and soon the bell was ready to ring once again.
Mr. Farmer's mother, Cora Farmer, wrote in her history of the West Norton Church: "The young ladies of the church participated in a contest (around 1910) to raise money to purchase a bell. The one raising the most money was to be given a Bible; however, each did such a good job that all were rewarded with Bibles. Those participating were Miss Margie Ellis (Gilly), Miss Daisy Stallard (Huff) and Miss Lelia Necessary (Yeary)."
We thank God for our rich religious and spiritual heritage.
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