The Church Bell

Sam returns from Siler City and tells Howard that Rev. Bickford's church has a bell for sale. Mayberry's church doesn't have a bell. Howard is the church treasurer and wants to call a committee meeting to get their opinion. Millie, who is co-treasurer, says the church can only afford $150. Reverend reminds the committee that Rev. Bickford is hard to bargain with. He suggests they play it cool and not seem too interested in the bell. Meanwhile, Rev. Bickford would love to sell the bell, but tells his committee they should not seem too anxious. When the two parties get together, Rev. Bickford asks $200 for the bell. Sam offers $150 which Rev. Bickford quickly rejects. After leaving, both parties feel the other will give in. Rev. Bickford finally accepts the $150 offer. Sam has bad news for the committee. It seems that Lucius Fremont owned the land under the church. He donated the land to the church provided that a bell never be hung there in his lifetime. After Howard fails to see Lucius, Sam and Millie go. At first Lucius refuses to give an explanation. But then he tells Sam his reason for not wanting the bell. It seems many years ago he was stood up by his bride on their wedding day at that church. The bell ringing would remind him of that day. Lucius finds a way for the church to keep its bell.