The primary reason for the church bell was to call the faithful to worship. The quality of the bell was superb and when wrung could be heard two miles away. Susanville in the late 1800s was a mere village of some 300 souls. It should be noted, that in this era, the town was plagued by fires, and in no time the bell was used as a fire alarm system. In rare instances the bell was used if something of major importance needed to be relayed and thus prompting individuals to congregate at the church to be informed of the impending news.
In 1895, the Lassen County Board of Supervisors approved Ordinance No. 33 pertaining to curfew in village of Susanville (the town was still unincorporated). From September 1, to April 1, anyone under the age 18 after 7 p.m. had to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. During the summer months, it was extended to 8 p.m. The fine for said violation was one dollar. It was the town’s night watchman who had duty at the appointed hour to ring the Methodist Church bell to signal it was curfew time.