A historic sound has returned to Lincolnville, South Carolina, after nearly 150 years. On August 29th, the Ebenezer AME Church proudly restored its original 147-year-old bell to the church’s bell tower—bringing back a powerful symbol of the town’s history, unity, and deep spiritual roots.
The First Bell, The First Church, The First Step in Freedom
Ebenezer AME Church holds a special place in Lincolnville’s heart. Founded in 1878, it was the first church in the town, and its bell marked the beginning of a new chapter for the newly freed African American community following the Civil War.
Pastor Judy John-Joyner explained the emotional and historic importance of the bell, saying, “It represents the town, the people. This was the original bell. This was the first church in Lincolnville.”
The bell rang out in a time when faith and unity were needed most. And now, it rings again.
Restoration Rooted in Legacy
The project to restore the bell began earlier this year, sparked by a simple late-night phone call to Tyrone Aiken, church board member and lifelong member of Ebenezer AME Church. Someone asked him, “Is the bell still in the tower?” That one question set off a mission to uncover the past and preserve it for the future.
With the help of the church board, including Dr. Pernessa Seele, Founder of the Lincolnville Preservation & Historical Society, the restoration work began in earnest during the spring.
“It’s a number six bell, which is a historical design. It represents communities coming together after the Civil War,” said Dr. Seele.
A Symbol That Still Speaks
Back in 1878, the bell called people to worship, signalled important moments, and brought people together. It stood tall as a beacon of resilience and hope. Now, restored and returned to its place, it reminds Lincolnville residents of their shared past and the strength of their ancestors.
For Aiken, the bell also holds personal memories. He recalls once pulling the rope during a church service as a kid, accidentally ringing it at the wrong time. “The last time I heard the bell, a little boy pulled it by mistake while service was going on,” he laughed.
More Than a Bell—A Message
Lincolnville itself has a deep-rooted history. It was one of the first towns in the South established by freed slaves after the Civil War. The Ebenezer AME Church and its original bell were a big part of that story.
As Pastor John-Joyner put it, “It’s a part of our past, a part of our present, and it will be a part of our future. It’s all about the legacy here.”
Today, as the town continues to grow and change, the bell now rings once more—not just to mark the hour, but to honor the voices of those who built Lincolnville from the ground up.
The restoration of the 147-year-old church bell at Ebenezer AME Church isn’t just a repair—it’s a revival of history, identity, and faith. It’s a reminder of how far the Lincolnville community has come, and how much they’ve preserved through unity and resilience. As the bell rings out once more across the town, it carries with it the echoes of the past and the hopes of the future.
