Refurbished bells ring together at West Chicago's oldest churches

WEST CHICAGO When First United Methodist Church of West Chicago's current building was under construction, its members needed a place to worship, and they found it at First Congregational Church of West Chicago.

Two of West Chicago's oldest churches, they shared both a facility and a pastor because the Congregational Church did not have a pastor of its own.

Through their partnership, the congregations had found a way to come together to meet their needs, and when the time came for First United Methodist Church to move into its new structure, First Congregational Church went too.

That was eight years ago, and their relationship is still going strong, continuing now with a project to refurbish and display both churches' bells.

"We have a similar mission, and we all seem to work together well on these joint projects," said West Chicago resident Judi Horsley, member of First United Methodist Church and chair of the Heritage Bell Plaza Committee.

Built in the 1800s, the two large bells had been in storage for some years until they were sent last October to Smith's Bell and Clock Service in Indiana. The bells did not return until June 17 because a long and brutal winter prevented the churches from building a concrete platform to display the bells earlier this year.

Church members say they are happy to see the bells again.

"It is wonderful," said West Chicago resident Erlaine Born, moderator of First Congregational Church.

Horsley sent photos of the bells to Smith's Bell and Clock Service to see if the company would be able to do the restorative work.

Tasks included making new yolks to hold the bells and clappers to bang against their insides, said J.J. Smith, president of Smith's Bell and Clock Service.

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Refurbished bells ring together at West Chicago's oldest churches