St. Mark AME Zion Church in Shallotte was dedicated in 1917 and served as a place of worship for African Americans before closing in 1990.

Parishioner Bob Schaper tells the story of finding the bell in the rubble, which for the last 50 years has chimed at the start of services. It last rang on Sunday, Jan. 5.

A chicken and biscuit dinner will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 22 in the parish hall at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 335 Locust St., downtown Johnstown.