At sunset, about 5:02 p.m. on Sunday, carillon bells sounded at the United Church. The bells that used to chime daily have been silent for about a handful of years now. But, on Nov. 11, Keith Lobel sounded the church bells with five second intervals between the chimes.
The gong of Virden’s original fire hall bell also rang out to mark 100th Anniversary of WWI Armistice. These bells were waiting for such a moment to once again sound out.
Kevin Procyk, a volunteer with Virden’s RCL Br. No. 8 took on the project to have the bells toll for this momentous anniversary.
A handful of people assembled at Virden’s Civic Centre to bring the antique bell back into service.
Eight people took their turn on the rope, each preforming a 10-ring cycle, some doing two cycles to mark the 100 rings.
“There is a knack to pulling the rope, as they found,” said Procyk.
Legion Past President Curtis Smith, Legion Executive/Deputy Fire Chief John Davidson, firefighter Bruce Brading, a Scouts & Guides leader Cindy Brading, Wyatt Brading, Jeff McConnell, Marc Savy and Procyck himself - each took their turn.
A few people also turned out to witness this historic moment – once in 100 years.
