SUBMITTED

Area churches have been invited by the local Courtney-Spalding Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to participate in Bells Across America, by ringing their church bells at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17.

The event celebrates the signing of the Constitution, Sept. 17, 1787. Constitution Week is Sept. 17-23.

The Courtney-Spalding Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was organized in April 1926 with members from Ellis, Russell, Trego and Ellsworth counties. Its current goals stress membership growth, conservation, American History and Good Citizenship Awards to further the education and historic values of youth. The chapter focuses on U.S. flag presentations, supporting patriotism throughout the nation and supporting troops in Project Patriot.

The chapter name was derived from the ancestors of the two ladies instrumental in organizing the chapter, Coral Courtney Carter, whose ancestor was Thomas Courtney from Virginia and Mary Lois Ruppenthal, a descendant of Ezekiel Spalding from Massachusetts.