All it’s cracked up to be

The question came up yesterday, in Sunday School of all places.

Which exterior of a Macon building is a replica of Independence Hall in Philadelphia?

I raised my hand, because I knew the answer. If only I h ad been a contestant on Final Jeopardy!

Remember to phrase your answer in the form of a question, Alex.

What is the back of Mercer’s Walter F. George School of Law?

Most folks in Macon probably don’t know this bit of trivia. Their image of the law school is this majestic building with columns and a large front porch that sits at the top of Coleman Hill.

But the back of the building is a spitting image of Independence Hall. The law school was founded in 1874 and was re-named after Sen. George in 1947. The building was purchased from North American Life Insurance.

The question came up in Sunday School during a conversation about the Liberty Bell. With all the controversy over the Ten Commandments being displayed in government buildings, it was interesting to note that the Liberty Bell is inscribed with a Bible verse from the Old Testament Book of Leviticus? ("Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." Leviticus 25:20)

As a bonus question, I ask you today if you know where Macon has its own version of a “cracked” bell on display?

(Go ahead and whistle the theme from Jeopardy while you are thinking about it.)

Time’s up. On the sidewalk next to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church between the church and the parish office.

In the spires of St. Joseph’s, which is one of the most magnificent churches I’ve ever been inside, are three large brass bells. They are named after Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

The original “Joseph” bell cracked and fell two stories through the steeple and was replaced 10 years ago.

Now, don’t you feel smarter after reading Daily Gris?