Columbus in Platte County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
St. Michael's Catholic Church Bell
Tarnov, Nebraska
The Hy. Stuckstede B. F. Co.
St. Louis, Mo 1893
Darowall Kosciolowi
S W Michala Tarnowie Nebr
Joseph Paprocki J. Sofia
Zona Jeco
Weight: 295 lbs.
In the early 1870's with much unrest in Poland, Francis Paprocki, a blacksmith, left his homeland in search of a better way of life. He came to America settling near what is now known as Tarnov, Nebraska. St. Michael's Catholic Church was founded in 1880 and in 1883 a wooden church was built on six acres of land donated by Mr. and Mrs. Francis Paprocki. In January, 1892, a decision was made to enlarge the church and build a sacristry. Work was begun April 8, 1892, and the bell in the steeple was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Paprocki.
On December 17, 1899, it was realized the parish had to have a larger church. The new church was dedicated on October 11, 1901.
In 1911, a school was built and the bell was transferred to a cupola at the school. The bell was removed from the school in September, 1978.
Erected 1992 by Columbus Community Foundation, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, and Concerned Citizens and Organizations.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Communications • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1892.
Location. 41° 25.357′ N, 97° 22.114′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Nebraska, in Platte County. Marker is on 33rd Avenue (U.S. 30/81) near 7th Street, on the right when traveling south. Belltower is in Pawnee Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbus NE 68601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. United Methodist Church Bell (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named United Methodist Church Bell (here, next to this marker); Sacred Heart Catholic Church Bell (here, next to this marker); St. Mary's Catholic Church Bell (here, next to this marker); North Branch, Oregon Trail (a few steps from this marker); St. Bernard Catholic Church Bell (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named St. Bernard Catholic Church Bell (a few steps from this marker); Congregational Church Bell (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.
Also see . . . St. Michael''s Catholic Church, Tarnov NE. (Submitted on September 29, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 13, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 581 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 28, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.