At a Sept. 13 community celebration, about 70 members of the First Baptist Church in Manlius were once again able to hear the church’s bell ring after being out of service for five years due to renovations to the steeple and bell tower.

“We’re ready to ring that bell and celebrate that it is finally done,” said Pastor Leon Oaks-Lee. “I’ve learned neighbors appreciate the historical value of the community. I think the steeple and bell add to that feeling.”

The Manlius First Baptist Church’s bell was made by the Meneely Company in Troy, N.Y., and was placed in the steeple of the former church originally located on 315 E. Seneca St. in the village where it sat from 1867 to 1927, when a new church was built in its current location on 408 Pleasant St., and has remained since, said Oaks-Lee.

Oaks-Lee said the process to renovate the steeple and bell tower started in 2010 when it was found to have structural problems. Since then, the church has been working to update it and the bell had to be taken out of the tower in 2010.

On Sunday, Sept. 13, members of the church and the Manlius community gathered after the 11 a.m. service to ring the bell again. Oaks-Lee said many people took the opportunity to ring the bell, and the bell rang for about 15 minutes straight.

“When you look up to that steeple, your eyes are lifted up that it might remind you of God’s presence,” said Oaks-Lee. “And when the bell rings, they might pause and remember God’s presence in their lives and offer him worship.”

More information about the First Baptist Church can be found at firstbaptist-manlius.org or by calling 682-8941.