Churches and bells just seem to go together. That’s why when the carillon bells First Presbyterian had installed back in 1947 finally gave out some years back, the congregation decided to replace them.

It’s taken awhile. The old bells gave out back around 1980, according to Martha Reeves, a member at First Presbyterian.

Then came the events of 9/11.

The church plans two special observances today.

At 8:11 a.m., the bells will ring out hymns and patriotic music from the church tower for 11 minutes. At 6:30 p.m., the church will hold a memorial and dedication service for the newly installed bells and chimes.

The bells have been ringing out in downtown Selma for some weeks now as technicians from Schulmerich Carillons of Pennsylvania completed the installation.

Already the church has been receiving numerous compliments from area residents who are pleased that the bells are ringing once again.

The dedication service will include portions of the original 1947 dedication, including the responsive reading &045; with only a few minor alterations. The new service will include something else that was not part of the original service: a moment of silence for the victims of 9/11.