Bells to ring in Constitution Week
The 19th annual Bells Across America ceremony is scheduled to take place from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday inside the First Congregational Church at the corner of Fourth Street and Mill Avenue.
The local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution has been the driving force behind the event since its inception.
This year celebrates the 225th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States of America.
The ceremony features:
 Patriotic sing-a-long, led by Justin Witt accompanied by the Porterville Community String Ensemble.
 Welcome by Delores Deatherage, Regent, Alta Mira Chapter DAR.
 Introduction of Mistress of Ceremonies, Pat Holly, member Alta Mira Chapter DAR.
 Invocation, given by Rev. John Eby, minister of the First Congregational Church.
 Presentation of historical American flags by Boy Scout Troop 132 overseen by Scoutmaster Matt Moore. Narrative given by Senior Patrol Leader Ty Moore.
 Pledge of Allegiance led by Moore.
 The national anthem presented by the Porterville Community Handbell Choir under the direction of Paulette McFarlin, led by Witt.
 Reading of “The American’s Creed”.
 Proclamation of Constitution Week by Tulare County Supervisor Mike Ennis.
 4 p.m. sharp – Ringing of the bells with tolling by the Porterville Community Handbell Choir, followed by musical selections “America the Beautiful” and “God of Our Fathers”.
 “American Folk Trilogy’ played by the String Ensemble directed by Witt.
 Bill Jameson will present the story of the War of 1812.
 Presentation of Community Service Award by Committee Chairwoman Christi Bartlett.
 Presentation of Participation Awards by Deatherage and Holly.
 Closing Prayer by Rev. Eby.
 Retiring of the colors by Boy Scout Troop 132 with “Taps” played by Ray Peal.
After the ceremony, punch and cookies will be served in the church’s social hall.
Those unable to attend Sunday’s ceremony are encouraged take part in celebrating the Constitution by ringing a bell at precisely 4 p.m.
Porterville’s Bells Across American ceremony is sponsored by DAR’s Alta Mira Chapter and First Congregational Church.
