Columbus in Platte County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
United Methodist Church Bell
Nelson, Nebraska
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 18, 2012
1. United Methodist Church Bell Marker
Mc Shane Bell Foundry
Baltimore, Md
1891
#418
Weight: 800 lbs.
The Reverend Thomas B. Lemon, presiding elder of the Methodist Episcopal Church in southwest Nebraska, organized a congregation in Nelson in 1877. Church services were first held in the old frame courthouse. When the Christian Church was built in 1878, the Methodists were invited to use the building for services. In 1889, the church was built and the dedication was held on December 22, 1889.
The Carmen Hite memorial bell was dedicated by Reverend Daniels in 1935 and was a gift of Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Hite in memory of their daughter, Carmen, who had passed away at the age of 14. Prior to being placed in Nelson, the bell had belonged to a church near Springfield, Nebraska. The church merged with the Evangelical United Brethren Church in 1968. The church building ceased to be used in 1987 as a result of three churches combining in Nelson.
Erected 1992 by Columbus Community Foundation, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, and Concerned Citizens and Organizations.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Communications
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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. St. Michael's Catholic 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.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 18, 2012
2. United Methodist Church Bell
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 18, 2012
3. Columbus Quincentenary Bell Tower (South)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr.
4. The Columbus Quincentenary Belltower
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 425 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 28, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
