Our Bell
A Bell That Has Stood the Test of Time
The story of our church bell begins with the early days of the Berlin Norwegian Lutheran Church, organized in 1870. The congregation first met in homes before building its first church in 1876 on the hill south of Ellendale, the site of today’s Lutheran Cemetery.
Surviving the 1892 Tornado
In 1892, a tornado struck the church, scattering lumber and furniture as far as Sloan’s Grove. But one thing remained:
the 1,450‑pound church bell, found mired in the wet soil beneath the fallen bell tower.
The congregation rebuilt the church on the same site, and the original bell was lifted and installed once again, a symbol of resilience and God’s protection.
Crafted by a Norwegian Bell Maker
According to history passed down through Rev. Melby, the bell was made by an old Norwegian bell maker who produced only two bells in that key before going out of business. This makes our bell not only historic, but rare.
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 from the hill into Ellendale, and the bell came along. When the present stone church was erected in 1950, the bell found its permanent home in the new tower, where it still hangs today.
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.
