Ring All the Bells of Easter

On Easter morning, 1799, the Austrian citizens of Feldkirch awoke to find their peaceful village besieged by the army of Napoleon. Knowing that the town’s defenses could not withstand an attack, those in authority hastily called a meeting to decide if they should hoist the white flag in surrender to the enemy.

The dean of the church rose first and addressed the somber assembly. "This is Easter Day," he said in a trembling voice. "This is the day of our King’s Resurrection. We must have one moment of triumph. Let us at least ring the bells. If the town falls, it falls; but we must ring all the bells of Easter."

His counsel prevailed, and soon, from the church towers the bells rang out their joyous sound; the vibrant music reverberated through the valleys and hills of Feldkirch, filling the frosty air with gladness.

The invaders, massed outside the gate, were confounded. Why should there be such celebration? Concluding that the Austrian army had arrived during the night to relieve the town, the French broke camp and were in full retreat before the bells stopped ringing.

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This story was sent via e-mail from Mark Killam.