Faure honored at Bells Across America
Porterville resident Joseph Faure II was awarded the Community Service Award by Alta Mira Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution during the 24th annual Bells Across America Program at the First Congregational Church on Sunday, Sept. 17.
The event marks the 230th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787 at 4 p.m. It is a nationwide event, encouraging ringing of bells by institutions and individuals across the land. Sunday was the first day of Constitution Week which ends on Sept. 23. The award was presented by Alta Mira Chapter member Deborah Rainey.
Faure was born in Porterville, attended local schools, was selected to attend the U.S. Naval Officer Candidate School, married Lucille Limegrover in 1960, and together they raised three children: Joseph III, Jeffery, and Julienne in Porterville.
Serving was a part of his family heritage, Faure remarked. His life in service began in the Navy and continued in Porterville with the Jaycees in which he served as president and district governor. He was an active member of FFA and a long-time member of the Porterville Fair Board, including the office of vice-president. He is now a member of the Porterville Rotary Club where he has be been named a Paul Harris Fellow, has served as president and on the board overseeing many
service projects and events. Fellow Rotarian Dennis Townsend commented, “For many years Joe was the go-to person. He has always been a great resource to draw from when needed.”
Joe has also served on the Sierra View District Board of Directors, the Porterville Planning Commission, the Porterville City Council including terms as vice mayor and mayor. Council member Cam Hamilton observed, “When I think about Joe Faure, I think about service. Joe proudly served his nation, then he served his bride and children, served his city and now serves his church.”
Joe has served the First Congregational Church faithfully since 1954. He has been a church elder and served on countless boards. Presently, his love of history and the church makes him the perfect person to lead tours through the historic church, to oversee maintenance projects, and to plan for its future while insuring its
historical preservation.
The Bells Across America Program offered free pocket Constitution booklets, flag codes, copies of Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech, Pledge of Allegiance and American Creed cards, and Constitution bookmarks. The program highlighted patriotic music included a sing-a-long led by Justin Witt and accompanied by the Porterville Strings conducted by Pam Aucutt. The Strings also played two numbers honoring George Washington: “Father of the Land We Love” written by George W. Cohen in 1931 to recognize the 200th anniversary of Washington’s birth during which Justin was the soloist.the second piece was “Prayer for Our Nation” with Reverend Kevin Roach as the reader. The Community Bells directed by Paulette Mcfarlin provided three pieces: “An American Medley”, “Materna”, and “Let There be Peace on Earth.” The church bells tolled four times at 4 p.m.
The Rev. Kevin Roach also gave the invocation
and the benediction.
Senior Patrol Leader Caelon Wolfe narrated Boy Scout Troop 132’s presentation of the history of our flags and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Samantha and Shyanne Rainey led the audience in reciting the Preamble to the Constitution and the American Creed. Following that, they read a short presentation of George Washington’s career.
Fifth District Supervisor Mike Ennis and Vice Mayor Brian Ward presented proclamations from Tulare County Board of Supervisors and the Porterville City Council, respectively. The Lindsay City Council also provided a proclamation. All were in recognition of Constitution Week. Supervisor Ennis spoke to the wisdom of the Constitution’s founders, the strength of its longevity, and the importance of preserving and protecting it in the present and the future.
The program adjourned after the Scouts sang “Taps”. Refreshments were served in the Social Hall.