Mrs. Chapman hosts Symposium Club

Posted: Friday, October 17, 2008 9:30 pm

The Symposium Review Club met recently in the lovely country home of Paula Chapman. Upon arrival, the members were served a delicious meringue torte, topped with raspberry sauce and vanilla ice cream, with a choice of coffee or fruit tea, by Mrs. Chapman. Elizabeth White, president, called the meeting to order. Lou Joyner, acting secretary, called the roll and Beverly Hunt gave the treasurer’s report. The remaining business was suspended until after the program. Mrs. Chapman, vice president, introduced the speaker, John Bell, whose family history has been a part of Tennessee for over 200 years. Bell based his telling of the legend on the book “The Mysterious Spirit, The Bell Witch of Tennessee,” by Charles Bell of Weakley County. The book, like the legend, has been part of John Bell’s family for generations. According to the author, the spirit first appeared in 1818 to the Bell family of Adams. The spirit was a profanity-spewing female who screamed to Bells that her grave had been violated. The apparition continued to torment the Bells. Desperate, the Bells had a paranormal expert come from England to investigate. During the three-month investigation, the ghost told the Englishman of happenings in England. In a macrabre twist, the ghost correctly predicted the Tennessee John Bell’s death. In closing, Bell acknowledged the public’s unending fascination with this ghostly legend. To show appreciation to Bell for sharing his fascinating Tennessee family history, the club voted to make a donation to Chimes for Charity in his name. The business meeting was continued with a vote to send $100 to the Autistic Foundation, founded by David and Meshea James. It was noted the Christmas party will be held Dec. 18. Published in The Messenger 10.17.08