Our Bell

A Bell That Has Stood the Test of Time

The Berlin Norwegian Lutheran Church was built in 1876 on the site of the present Lutheran Cemetery one-half mile south of Ellendale. The congregation was organized in 1870 and met in homes the first years. The first pastor was Rev. F. E. Wulfsberg, followed by Rev. O. A. Melby who served the congregation for 43 years. Rev. M. C. Dronen is the present pastor.

Surviving the 1892 Tornado

In 1892, a tornado struck the church on the hill, devastating the structure and scattering lumber and furniture as far as Sloan’s grove. One thing remained, the 1,450 pound church bell, which was mired in the wet soil beneath the bell tower. The congregation commissioned Nels Olmstad and Botolf Flesche to drive to Lake Mills, Iowa, by horse and buggy to contact a church builder. The building was then rebuilt on the same site and the old bell installed in the new tower.

Crafted by a Norwegian Bell Maker

There is a special tone quality and personality in every bell. The old Norwegian bell maker who turned out this bell only made two in that key, then he went out of business. This is history that Rev. Melby passed on to Gabriel Omnsted.

The Inscription

Around the bell is the Latin phrase:

“Verbum Dei manet in aeternum”“The Word of God endures forever.”

This inscription captures the heart of our congregation’s mission and the faith of those who placed this bell in our care.

Berlin

Nord. Evangelist. Lutherische Kirche.German (Nordic Evangelical Lutheran Church).

Steele County, Minnesota,

1886.

Verbum Dei manet in aeternum.Latin (The Word of God remains forever.)

Moved With the Congregation

In 1916, the church building was moved to Ellendale and the bell came along. When the present stone church was erected in 1950, the bell found a new home in this tower. In the early 1930’s, the church name was changed to First Lutheran Church of Ellendale.

A Faithful Voice Through Generations

For more than a century, this bell has:

  • called worshipers to gather

  • marked weddings and funerals

  • survived storms, moves, and rebuilding

  • connected generations of believers

It is more than a piece of metal, it is a living part of our congregation’s story, a reminder of God’s enduring presence, and a treasured link to the faith of those who came before us.