Piedmont Set to Donate Historic Bell to City of Demorest

Demorest, GA – The City of Demorest is set to consider a meaningful item on its upcoming agenda: a resolution to formally accept the donation of the historic “Demorest Bell” from Piedmont University. The resolution, titled “A Resolution of the Mayor and Council of the City of Demorest to Accept the Donation of the ‘Demorest Bell’ from Piedmont University,” would officially transfer the bell into the city’s care. The bell is a historic and significant symbol of Demorest’s heritage. By accepting this donation, city leaders signal their commitment to preserving local history and ensuring the bell remains accessible to residents and future generations. The council will discuss the resolution and potential next steps for the bell’s placement and display.

History of the Bell

Hidden away in a building in Demorest is a bell whose story stretches back more than 130 years — a gift from the city’s namesake, William Jennings Demorest, presented to the Demorest Methodist Episcopal Church in 1891 during Mr. Demorest’s visit to the town. Though simple in appearance, the bell represents the spirit, ideals, and optimism with which the city was founded.

A Town Built on a Movement

The town, named was named in honor of William Jennings Demorest – a publisher, businessman, and nationally known advocate for the temperance movement. Mr. Demorest was a candidate in the 1892 United States presidential election, running as the nominee of the Prohibition Party on a platform focused on temperance and social reform. When the town of Demorest was established in the late 19th century, it was envisioned as a model community — a place of strong values, education, and civic pride. The City of Demorest was established in 1889 as a planned community developed by the Demorest Home, Mining & Improvement Company.

To symbolize that vision, Mr. Demorest donated a cast-metal bell to the town in 1891. Inscribed on the bell are the words “Presented to the M. E. Church Demorest, Ga. by W. Jennings Demorest, From Contest to Conquest.”

Bell Rings Again After 35 Years of Silence

When the Demorest Methodist Episcopal Church North closed in 1897, the bell was relocated to the Demorest Methodist Church South, where it continued to serve the local congregation. In July 1947, the Demorest Congregational Church and the Demorest Methodist Church united to form the Demorest Federated Church, and at that time the bell was placed into storage. It remained there for decades until May 1983, when it was finally installed on the church grounds through the dedicated efforts of local historian Sarah Fenner. A plaque was added to honor her parents, John Marvin and Ione White Gillespie, reading:

“W. Jennings Demorest Bell
Mounted in memory of
J. Marvin & Ione W. Gillespie.”

Recorded for Posterity

In December of 2024, Habersham History launched its brand-new Habersham History Minute series, as part of its ongoing efforts to preserve the rich history of Habersham County. The first episode told the story of how the Demorest bell (and an American flag) were donated by Mr. Demorest in 1891.

Knocked off its pedestal

On June 7, 2025, high winds brought down a large tree near the Demorest Bell, striking the display and knocking the historic bell from its pedestal. While the bell itself does not appear to be severely damaged, the supporting structure was broken in the impact. At this time, city officials have secured the precious bell in an undisclosed location.

Regifting the Bell

Piedmont University has announced that it is prepared to donate the historic Demorest Bell to the City of Demorest, ensuring the landmark remains a visible and accessible part of the community’s shared heritage. The bell holds deep significance not only for the campus, but for the city as a whole, and that returning ownership to the municipality will help preserve its legacy for future generations. The donation would allow the bell to be formally recognized as a civic treasure and incorporated into ongoing historic preservation efforts within the city.

Ringing Again in the Future

While it is not currently known where the public will be able to see the bell again, or when, the City of Demorest will be carefully considering the most appropriate and meaningful location for the Demorest Bell to be permanently displayed. City leaders have emphasized the importance of placing the bell somewhere accessible to the public, respectful of its history, and reflective of its role as a symbol of the community’s founding. Several potential sites will be evaluated, with attention to visibility, security, and historical context. The goal is to ensure the bell continues to serve as a point of pride and connection for both residents and visitors for generations to come.