Oregon Beat
www.oglecountynews.com
Oregon Republican Reporter, Thursday, January 16, 2014, Page A3
Church bell marked significant historical events Bell’s clapper still remains at Lutheran church Editor’s note: Otto Dick, Oregon, has researched the people, places, and events important in Oregon’s history for the Ogle County Historical Society. The following is part of a series of the articles he has written. By Otto Dick In 1851 the “Ladies’ Philanthropic Sewing Society of Oregon was formed. Through the society’s efforts, with the help of interested citizens of the community, $300 was raised for the purchase of a bell that was hung in the only available place, the tower of the Lutheran Church. St. Paul’s had the only church building in the city at that time. When the bell was given, it was understood that it would be used for the benefit of both congregation and community. In addition to ringing at the time of service each Sunday, the bell was used to alert the community to events of local or national importance. Records indicate that it was rung in joyous celebration on April 9, 1865, Palm Sunday, when the news was received that General Robert E. Lee had surrendered his Army of Northern Virginia to the Army of the Potomac and Lt. General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomatox Courthouse. The bell sounded again the following Saturday to announce the grim news that on Good Friday night, President Lincoln had been murdered in Ford’s Theatre, Washington, D.C. When the old church, after standing for nearly 50 years, was replaced by the red brick church on a different site, the old bell was transferred to the belfry of the new church where to another generation it still proclaimed its power for some years. It was said that the day the Civil War closed, this old bell was rung all day. As a result, it was slightly cracked from overwork. It was sold during World War I at a time when metal of this kind commanded a high price. The clapper of the bell is still in the possession of the church. The above article was from a booklet observing the 150th anniversary of St. Paul. The first Lutheran Church was erected on the courthouse lawn, north of the courthouse approximately where the
VFW Veteran’s Memorial now stands. This church was built in 1850 on land purchased from Ogle County. In 1893 they built their new red brick church on the corner of Jefferson and Fifth Street. The round bell tower held the bell which had been a part of the original church. Seventy years later, at the same location, a new church constructed of Wisconsin Lannon Stone was dedicated April 20, 1958. In 1868 Pastor Armin G. Weng of the Lutheran Church served as the editor for the Centennial Book Committee. Pastor Weng had a strong interest in history and especially the Civil War. When Pastor Weng came to Oregon he coached flag football with Dutch Masters. Shortly after this they organized a Civil War Roundtable and later, a Civil
Armin Weng was a pastor for the Lutheran Church. Photo supplied
War Reenactment Squad. Pastor Weng served as chaplin. It was interesting to me that the Lutheran Church bell rang during several events during the Civil War, and 104 years later their pastor was involved in a Civil War Roundtable and Reenactment Squad.
The second Lutheran Church, a red brick building, was built in 1893. Photo supplied The first Lutheran Church building was erected in Oregon in 1850. Photo supplied
Catholics Returning Home St. Mary’s Catholic Church . &RANKLIN !VE 0OLO ), s 815 -946-2535
WE WELCOME YOU HOME!!
An Open Door For Returning Catholics Were you raised Catholic but do not or seldom come to church anymore? Are you a Catholic who now feels separated from your Church? Would you like to know more about the Church as it is today? Would you like to feel at home in the Catholic Church again?
The third and present Lutheran Church was dedicated in 1958. Photo supplied
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No matter how long you have been away, or whatever reason, we invite you to consider renewing your relationship with the church.
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Tuesday: January 21 - February 25, 2014 - 7:00 - 8:30 PM St. Mary’s - Polo Parish House
Let’s get together to talk about a tangible plan that includes: z
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This process is being successfully used in our diocese and many people like you are experiencing the peace of being a Catholic Christian again.
We have been praying for your and hope that you will be pleased and surprised with what you see. Please come.
Chris Mueller 815-732-6106
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Preschool screening will be held Jan. 23 The Ogle County Educational Coop will offer free pre-school screenings for children on Thursday, Jan. 23 at Rochelle United Methodist Church, 709 Fourth Ave. Any child who lives in Ogle County, Ashton, Franklin Grove, and Amboy between the ages of three and five years old is invited to participate in the screening. Parents are encouraged to make an appointment for their children. The screening is an assessment of your child’s readiness skills in the areas of concepts, language, and motor development. Vision and hearing screenings are also provided. The purpose of the screening is to identify any child who may qualify for the school district’s Early Childhood or Pre-K Program. Call 815-234-2722, ext. 100 to make an appointment.
Hollie Guist, left, and Ron Fafnis hold the clapper from the first church bell, which was sold for scrap. Photo supplied
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