Campus bell rings for anniversary of the Civil War surrender

Chimes reverberated across Liberty University’s campus today as the Liberty Bell across from DeMoss Hall was rung for four minutes to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the surrender at Appomattox Court House that began the process to end the Civil War. Bells rang in unison across the nation, from 3:15-3:19, beginning at the approximate time that Gen. Robert E. Lee met with Gen. Ulysses S. Grant to surrender the southern army and continuing for four minutes, one for each year of the war.

Liberty’s bell ringing ceremony included a firing demonstration by reenactors, a singing of “America the Beautiful” by Dr. Wayne Kompelien of the School of Music, and a speech from Virginia Sen. Steve Newman (23rd District), who was welcomed by Liberty President Jerry Falwell.

Falwell noted that this was the first time since 1976 that the campus Liberty Bell has been rung.

In his speech, Sen. Newman reminded the audience of the significance of national unity.

“Today I am pleased to be here as, literally, the bells of liberty will toll to remember,” Newman said. “Remember the past, remember the present, and remember our future, remember the darkest days, remember the great ideas that have been part of the struggle, remember God’s leadership that has brought us through every time, and remember those men and women that provided the ultimate sacrifice to their nation.”

After the bell tolled for four minutes, longtime professor Dr. Harold Willmington closed the event in prayer, thanking God for the unity our country experienced 150 years ago. He also prayed for unity in America today.

This event, which was organized by Dr. Kenny Rowlette, special projects coordinator for the Jerry Falwell Library, was part of the national Civil War Sesquicentennial Commemoration Events, taking place throughout the weekend. Several Liberty students will serve as volunteers, assisting visitors of the 150th anniversary event in downtown Lynchburg on Saturday, beginning at 7 a.m. with teams rotating in and out until 9 p.m. This effort is part of Liberty’s annual Love on Lynchburg day, where student volunteers will participate in 15 service projects across the community.

Last week, on Thursday, April 2, Liberty’s History Department and ROTC program hosted a Civil War Battle Tactics and Weaponry Encampment demonstration. The event, which Rowlette also organized, featured a Civil War chaplain’s tent, a Civil War medical tent, and an encampment by reenactors. In addition to displaying several Civil War artifacts and artillery, the event included a firing demonstration of period firearms and a cannon.