239 Bell Rings Mark Constitution Day In Crockett
By Greg Ritchie
Messenger Reporter
CROCKETT — A Constitution Day program at First United Methodist Church brought between 100 and 150 people together Thursday, Sept. 17, for an afternoon of music, local history and reflection on the nation’s founding documents.
The program was organized by the Major Jarrell Beasley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in partnership with the church. Patricia Hicks, regent of the chapter, was proud of how the event brought so many together to honor American history.
“We hoped to bring the community back together with the Constitution Day program,” Hicks said. “It far exceeded our expectations.”
The program moved between the history of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution while also highlighting the history preserved inside the Crockett church.
Rev. Cindy Doran shared the history of the church’s Downes patriotic stained-glass window and the historic Meneely Bell. She also offered a reflection on the restoration of the church’s windows and the lives connected to the building.
“Time takes its toll on everything, and our windows are no exception,” Doran said. “They have shifted, cracked, broken … and been restored.”
The historic bell was rung 239 times in recognition of the 239th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Those attending were then invited to take part in ringing the bell themselves.
Barbara Simpson of Latexo High School attended the program with several members of the school’s Student Council. Simpson said she had never been inside the church before and was struck by the sanctuary’s wooden pews, organ pipes and stained-glass windows.
“Sitting on the wooden pew, looking at the interior with the pipes from the organ and the beautiful stained-glass windows reminded me of churches I had attended in the past and calmed my spirit,” Simpson wrote in a reflection following the event.
Simpson said the program gave her an opportunity to learn more about the history of Crockett and Houston County.
“As a teacher, having the historical information presented was a treat,” she wrote. “I learned quite a few things about Crockett and some of its former citizens.”
The local student performers were Cora Bennett, Tate Best, Jemma Cutler, Jessa Cutler, Miller Cutler, Ace Estrada, Jace Martin, Barrett McCann, Avery Young and Caleb Young.
The students presented scripts and songs tracing the story of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Simpson said the performance also encouraged the students she brought to visit Bell Avenue and see some of the homes mentioned during the program.
Remarks from Houston County Judge Jim Lovell connecting the Declaration of Independence to the Constitution were shared during the program by Melanie Hooks. Judge Sarah Clark of the Houston County Court at Law spoke about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Hicks said Clark presented the material with passion while making it understandable for everyone in attendance.
Simpson also praised the program’s ability to connect national history with the history of East Texas and Houston County.
“I am not a native of Houston County, having grown up in Houston,” she wrote. “But after moving to Nacogdoches to attend college and then settling in Houston County to build my career in education and raise a family, I have enjoyed learning about the part that East Texas, and more specifically, Houston County and Crockett, played in Texas history.”
The Constitution Day program also reflected the work of local organizations that continue to provide educational, cultural and patriotic events throughout the year. Hicks expressed gratitude to First United Methodist Church and its members, area teachers and students, community supporters and members of the Major Jarrell Beasley Chapter.
The chapter was organized in October 1971 with 60 charter members. Its Constitution Day program was intended not only to remember the nation’s founding documents, but also to encourage residents to learn more about the history surrounding them.
Simpson said the event may change the way she participates in community programs in Crockett.
“I don’t usually attend events offered in Crockett,” she wrote. “This may change.”
She said Houston County is fortunate to have organizations that work to preserve history and provide opportunities for residents to come together.
“Those organizations work tirelessly to provide opportunities for us not to forget about our history and to remind us of our responsibility in moving forward in preserving it,” Simpson wrote.
Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]
