Church bells ring on 50th anniversary of MLK’s speech
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Churches around the country rang their church bells 50 times today at 3 p.m. in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech that was 50 years ago today.
The First Presbyterian Church in Albion joined the chorus of church bells this afternoon.
In the photo above, Jim Mitchell, left, and his brother John ring the church bell at the Presbyterian Church.
The brothers grew up in Detroit and their father was a biology teacher in the inner city. He also was a Civil Rights supporter, and told his young sons to drink from the “Colored” water fountains and use “Colored” public restrooms.
The family often hosted members of the African-American community for meals at their house.
“Our father was a big believer in the movement,” Jim Mitchell said.
Both Mitchell brothers and their wives now live in Orleans County.
In King’s speech, he used soaring oratory to plead with Americans to come together to stomp out racism and create a land of opportunity for all.
A view looking up the church spire at the bell tower.
