The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-01-30

go The bell of the old Congregational
church, that in the early days of North
Topeka called the congregation to
worship. is to be sold. If the plans Of
the board of directors OF the Civic
club are successful.
The church is now North Topeka's
community house and, the board
argues, there is no longer use for the
bell. 1t is thought the bell could be
sold for several hundred dollars that
could be applied to clear off the small
indebtedness remaining and also pay
for necessary repairs to the building.
Old citizens of North Topeka who
first heard the deep tones of the bell
over forty years ago, are 10th to have
it go from the community and ask
why, as it is already in the possession
of the citizens of North Topeka, it
cannot be kept as relic of historical
value to the town.
|. The church was built in the early
seventies and the bell was bought and
given to the church by e. w. Baker.
brother of the late E. P. Baker, of
North Topeka, shortly afterward.
The first union Sunday school en-
tainment was held in the Consrega-
tional church during the pastorate of
the Rev. Thomas Jones' The church
the town of four or five hundred per-
sons who was physically able to get
there being present. An immense
Christmas tree was loaded with gifts
said to be worth $1,000.
And the bell did its part in calling
the people to view what to many
was the first sight of a Christmas
tree.
And to the bell rope credit must be
given for aiding in the appearance OF
Santa Claus. The Rev. Mr.. Jones
gave a short talk, telling of when he
1Al fcf, &c col in
New York City, Santa Claus came
down thru the roof of the church.
And" exclaimed Mr.. Jones, pointing
to the rear of the church, there he
comes now"
Heads were turned and necks were
seen coming slowly down the bell
rope! Alighting safely. he shook
hands right and left as he went
down the aisle toward the platform
where stood the brilliantly lighted
tree.
Never before, and probably never
since. have North Topeka children
felt the thrill that was experienced By
Santa's extraordinary advent.
Older persons in the secret. knew
that Friday Howard. a North To
peka man, played the part of Santa
| those boys and girls. now men an6
women, have heard the bell ring fol
midweek and Sunday services and toll
at the burial of their dead.
! Sacred memories are centered In tbs
| old bell. Shall it be sold away from
| its old home. to ring for strangers
Or. worse still. shall it be sold to tbs
junk man for metal?
Notes and Personals.
The Bible class of the Second Pres
| byterian church will meet Tuesda,
| evening at the home of the Rev. Mr.
Jackman, 225 West Gordon street.
w. H. Howard is sick at his hons
| in Holman's addition.
The Christian Endeayor societies o.
| the Presbyterian and Christian
| churches will have charge OF the eve
ming services Sunday.
| The Rev. Geo. r. Jackman OF thu
Second Presbyterian church will re
turn tomorrow evening from Kansas
City, where he has been in hospita
| for the past two weeks. Mr.. Jackma1
will be able to conduct services mex
Sunday morning as usual.
The business building at 912 Kan
sas avenue. until two years ago thu
home for twenty years of the Kimbal
Printing company, has been purchased
| by r. r. Baer.