NORWICH – Before the United States was established, before the American people sought their freedom and well before the Civil War took place on American soil, a man by the name of William Brend of England cast a bell that now, 394 years later, will ring officially for the first time here in America – in Norwich.

The bell, originally made in 1613, has been placed in the tower of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church and, in celebration of the church’s 175th anniversary, will open Sunday’s service.

Starting in West Park in downtown Norwich at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, a full processional, complete with Steve Cady on bag pipes, will make its way to the Emmanuel church. The event is open to the public and it is anticipated that other area churches and Mayor Joseph Maiurano will be on hand and various readings will be provided. “It will be a full processional with crosses and candles and everything,” said the church’s pastor, Rev. Glenn Mahaffey. Following the processional, the morning’s service will take place at 10 a.m., at the sounding of bell.