Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-28
OUR SOCIAL WORLD

(An items of social interest will be gladly noted in these columns if sent 10 M Mfs, George c. Ball, Nineteenth street between Tenth and Eleventh avenues South High lands. Telephone 9SS.)
 We have all heard so much of the fa- nous chimes of St. Mlchaers Episcopal church of Charleston, S. C., and there are so many traditions given regarding these historic bells that the following de- tails will be of interest. They are appar- ently written by one entirely familiar with the history of the church and chimes and are no doubt authentic The account is taken from an exchange:
 st Michael's church of Charleston, D. C., is one of the oldest and most historic churches in America. It's history begthS in July, 1872 when John Culpepper sur veyor-general, in laying out the town, reserved for q church the present slte, where some time later St. Philips was erected. On June Il, 1751, an act of the general assembly was passed giving this portion of Charleston the name Of St Michaels and directing that church be built at a cost of not more than $55,0Oo, to be paid out of the public money. The steeple rises 1S5 feet above the ground. The building is 130 feet long by 60 feet wide. It is built of brick imported from England, the roof being of slate, also imported When completed the actual cost of the church was $32, ,775.85. The same work would cost over three times that amount now. Rev Robert Cooper, the first minister, was called and held the first service February 1. 1761. On Jan uary G. 1762. subscriptions were started to procure clock and chime of bells. The bells were cast by Lester & Peck of London, Eng, were eight in number and cost put up, f1S1 sterling. The clock and holl ha ar1a Iulx The clock was thirty hour clock. show ing the hour at each cardinal point of the compass and 1t cost f194 sterling.
 For eighteen years the bells hung peacefully in their tower, but in Deccm- Der, 17S2, when Charleston was evacu- ated by the British. Major Trills of the royal artillery claimed them for his corps and carried them off on the last fleet that sailed, December IA, 1782. Sir Guy Carl ton, British commander-in-chief in New York, ordered their restoration. but too late An appeal was then made to the honorable secretary of war in London. but elcted no response, Mir. Ryhiner, a merchant of Charleston. bought them and shipped them back to Charleston, where they arrived November 20 17S3, and were again hung in their tower. In 17S5 MT. Ryhiner demanded payment for the same. In 17S7 a subscription was taken up to pay this claim In 1882 two of the bells were found to be era cked and
 
 They reached Charleston on return Au- gust 1889, at cost of s43S.04. In June, 1862. they were sent to Columbia, s. C., for safe keeping. but were burned in that city, when General Sherman ordered it's destruction in February. 1865. The frag ments were gathered and in 1866 shipped to Means & Stainback, the successors of the original founders, who were still in business in London. The bells were re- cast of the same amalgum by the original ~.,,1n ,f t,, al1 1u .la lt the same trammelS.
 They reached Charleston in February, 1867, when a duty of S2200 had to be paid them. This done, the old sweet fa- miliar music again gladdened every loyal heart and caused many an eye to i'll with gra ateful tears. The total cost of restoring the bells to their place in the steeple was $772301, of which the city contributed 5000.
 By act of congress of January 8, 1873, the duty on the bells was refunded.
 The earthquake of August 31, 18S6 silenced the bells for week. but they have ever since rung out their merry peals on Sundays, state Pnd national days. The writer has heard many of the famous bells of the old world, but never set of such sweet tones as the chimes of St. MichaePs.
 U. COUPON IYNEs, Ph. D"
 Owing 10 the illness of their little daughter Mary George. Mir and Mrs G. M. Cruikshank have been compelled to postpone their card party announced for this evening, to which invitations have been issued for several days. The friends of Mr. and Mrs. Cruikshank sym pathize with them in the illness of their little girl and hope for her speedy recov- cry.
 Mrs. James H. BIount, Jr., of Macon reached Birmingham Saturday with her
 
 Mrs. Blounts parents. MT. and Mrs. B. R. Conner. Misses Trapp Chamberlain and Blount will arrive tonight and will also be with MT. and Mrs Conner at their handsome South Highland home.
 The opera Elisa" is progressing finely. Daily rehearsals continue and Professor 'rhart and the ladies of the Church of ra..+Advent are determined to make 1t an absolute. success in every way. The fol- lowing splendd cast of characters-be- sides an excellent chorus-indicat tes the superior manner in which the opera will be presented:
 Elisa, Mrs. H. H. Sinnige.
 Nell, Miss Momie Terrell.
 Queen, Miss Patti Ruffner.
 Henrico, MT. Cartwright.
 Tommy, Mr. Luman Handley.
 Giant (Gog), MT. Ben Carter.
 Valentine, MT. Ardis Smith
 Adonis Malona, MT. Ollie Miles.
 The Highland Book club will meet to- morrow Wednesday, morning at 103C o'clock with Mrs. Jack w. Johnston at her home on Highland avenue
 The Birmingham Symphony club held their second meeting at the ElkS' hal Sunday evening and had a large attend ance few selections of new music were rehearsed, after which some busi- ness was transacted. At 3:30 the club ad- journed Another very important meet ing is called for Thursday night. All mu- sicians are requested to be present at 7:30 sharp Important business will be transacted. after which they will have their second rehearsal.
 
 Miss Mary Clare Milner has been ap. pointed to represent Alabama at the grand reunion of Confederate veterans to be held next June at Richmond, Va Gen Fred & Ferguson. in making this