Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 17.

Over a century ago the New England Glass Works were established in East Cambridge. After fifty years the business had so increased as to require extensive buildings and a small army of workmen. Clocks and watches were not as numerous or as cheap then as now. For the convenience of its employees, the corporation placed on its central building, in 1854, a bell weighing 505 lbs. This was also from the Hooper foundry. Its 15-lb. tongue sent out the note of C, calling to daily toil about the glowing furnaces for years, until at last the closing out of the business left it with occupation gone. For ten years or more it hung unused and silent, till 1899. Then some one found it could be purchased for $20, and that $25 more would place it in the belfry of the Hillside Universalist Church. So, without burdensome effort, the amount was raised by subscription, and it became a Medford bell. With an honorable record behind it at the age of forty-five, it entered the service of the church, and, though with this late beginning, it is the oldest church bell in the city.

Swell, swell, ye waters, swell,
Rang deep and strong the Baptist bell,
While faith in God alone can save,
Man must be plunged beneath the wave,
To show the world enduring faith
In what the Holy Scripture saith;
Swell, swell, ye waters, swell,
Rang deep and strong the Baptist bell.

On May 13, 1906, a unique service was held in the room over the carriage porch of the First Baptist Church. The Pastor read a psalm, each of the deacons offered a prayer, then the clergyman followed in one of greater length, and the roomful of people sang ‘All hail the power of Jesus' name.’ At the appointed time an experienced ringer (Mr. Peak) carefully tilted or ‘set’ the bell, and the rope was placed in the hands of Miss Alice