Thank you to Mr. Robert Carter, Jr., a native of the Saddletree Community and a founding member of the Saddletree Powwow, and the Carter family for their generous donation of a historic train bell to the Lumbee Tribe of N.C. This train bell, which has traveled a long and meaningful journey through time, now finds its place at the Lumbee Cultural Center.

The story of the “Blessing Bell," as Mr. Robert calls it, began as part of the Atlantic Coast Line train service, which ran through Pembroke till 1949, where it served to warn of the train’s approach. It later became a church bell in Fayetteville, bringing communities together in faith and worship. In the 1960, Mr. Carter’s father, Robert Carter, Sr., was gifted the bell by the church, and it became known as the Carter Family Bell. The family rang the bell for family milestones and celebrations, including the Bicentennial in 1976. The bell is now onsite at the Adolph Dial Amphitheatre.

Now, as the “Blessing Bell”, it is gifted to the Lumbee Tribe where its legacy continues, to call people together in joy, prayer, cultural celebration, and, most importantly, as a call for federal recognition of the Lumbee People. Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery celebrated the gift to the tribe. “I want to personally thank the Carter Family for gifting us this bell to be placed at the cultural center. It is wonderful to have such a treasure as this placed at our site,” said Lowery. “We look forward to ringing it before our annual powwow and other future events. Thank you, Mr. Robert and the entire Carter Family."

Thank you, Mr. Carter, for this incredible gift that echoes with history, unity, and hope. May the bell’s sound continue to inspire our journey toward recognition.