Church’s bell tower relocated to Baan Baa Hall

Baan Baa residents have lovingly restored and relocated the bell and bell tower from St Clement’s church which was deconsecrated on May 22, 2022, after more than 103 years of service to the community.

The bell and the bell tower has many sacred and fond memories for the Baan Baa community and when the church was sold last year the community decided to cut the bell down and relocate it to the Baan Baa Hall.

The tower was taken to Fabers in Narrabri who powder coated it and the bell was polished.

Last week the tower and the bell was erected at Baan Baa Hall.

The bell was given to the church by parishioners in memory of Private William Herbert Miller who was killed in action in World War I at Gallipoli on September 6, 1915.

The old wooden posts which supported the bell were nearly rotted out when Allan Fordham and his children from Baan Baa constructed and erected the new tower in memory of his wife Gwen.

Mrs Fordham passed away on June 9, 1979.

The inscription on the tower says: In loving memory of Adelaide Gwendoline Fordham passed away 9.5.1979. Age 58 years. Erected by husband Allan. Children Priscilla, Ian, Caroline and Jennifer.

Steve Eather said: “There was some controversy at the time from the Miller family who thought the tower was part of the Miller remembrance.

“The good news is that the tower still remains in Baan Baa and is now beside the hall for everyone to see,” he said.

“Originally the bell was used to call church-goers as is the custom, but also as a fire alarm for the village, as you could hear it peel all over the town.”