The returning sound of a church bell to central Glenrothes has sparked a musical mystery in the town.
Reverend Alan Kimmitt of St Columba’s Church is leading the search for the writer of a song dedicated to the bell at the iconic building.
Having stayed silent for around two decades, the bell rang out across the town once again on Sunday following an extensive refurbishment project.
However, having been handed a song for the congregation to perform at the weekend’s dedication several months ago, Mr Kimmitt is appealing to readers of The Courier to help trace the person who penned the lyrics.
Titled “The Vesper Bell” and sung to the tune of A Scottish Soldier, he hopes that members of the community may be able to shed some light on the mystery.
“It was given to us by one of our members around six months ago,” he said.
“Sadly she died and we don’t know where the song came from and we have no other leads.
“The song is about the bell ringing out across the New Town.
“St Columba’s used to hold prayers every evening at around 9.30pm, and the bell would ring out then.
“We performed the song on Sunday, but all that we know is that it was probably written in the 1960’s.”
The lyrics were handed to the church last year as preparations were made ahead of the reinstatement of its bell.
Originally from a church in Ayrshire, the chime, within its distinctive 70 ft tower, had stayed silent for around 20 years before a refurbishment project allowed it to sound out once again at the weekend.
Delighted to have it back in action, Mr Kimmitt added: “There has been great support from the congregation, friends of the church and other bodies, such as the Fife Environmental Trust and the Church of Scotland trustees.
“We were a bit worried that the bell might wake some people up on Sunday morning but we’ve had a lot of really positive feedback.
“It’s been a really uplifting project.”
Anybody with information about the song can email info@st-columbas.com.
The Vesper Bell
Around the valley – Glenrothes valley,
A sound comes o’er the air
Resounding sweet and clear
A bell is pealing — its music stealing
A call to everyone to come and pray
And as you hear its roundelay
At the close of the day — come to church and pray
And there-at-hush of eventide
You will find peace and rest.
Come hear the story — the Gospel story
Of Christ the Lord of life — who came to this world’s strife
He lived among men, revealing God them
He died on Calvary for you and me,
And He says — where there is two or three
Come to worship me, there I’ll surely be,
Your heart’s love is the entrance fee,
Come unto Me and rest.
Come now ye weary — whose life is dreary
Just let your burden fall before the Lord of all
The Man of Sorrows keeps life’s tomorrows
Safe in the hollow of His hand
So as you hear the roundelay
At the close of day — come to Church and pray
In the quiet hush of the eventide
You will find peace and rest.
