[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE OPENING OF THE LINCOLNVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL AND THE 
                           RUFUS KNIGHT BELL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 28, 2006

  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, early in November I had the pleasure of 
attending the opening of the Lincolnville Central School in 
Lincolnville, ME. In Lincolnville, as in so many small towns across 
this country, the local elementary school is an important part of the 
community.
  As Lincolnville opens a modern new school building, it honors its 
past by displaying an old bell, formerly housed in the old school 
building. The old bell will be a reminder of the many teachers, staff, 
and students who were a part of the old school. It will challenge the 
Lincolnville community to continue its long tradition of quality 
education.
  The school bell is named for Rufus Knight, a former teacher at the 
old Lincolnville school. The bell was honored in a poem by his great-
grandson, John A. Knight, which was read at the school opening:

     This is the bell that called to us to drink at springs of 
           learning.
     This is the voice of the silver tongue that satisfied our 
           yearning.

     The tocsin sound of wisdom this ancient bell awakened and 
           horizons of us rural folks no longer were forsaken.

     The light of education Our knowledge is expanding. This 
           ancient bell awoke in us deep thoughts of 
           understanding.

     And, for many generations we did study and excel with the 
           beauteous sounding of this old bell.

                          ____________________