The beloved bronze bell of St. Mark's Lutheran Church on Main Street in

For the first time in 118 years, the 2,250 pound bell leaves the steeple of St. Mark's in Penns- burg as a crane hoists it from the tower.

Pennsburg (Montgomery County) has not been tolling for many months. It will be even longer before the bell rings out again.

            The bell was removed from its tower by crane last Thursday.  Removal was coordinated by church member David Baver of Baver Construction.

            The work was made necessary when, in the fall of 2019, a long-term leak was discovered. The leak weakened supports in the tower.  Baver brought in structural engineers and consulted with Elderhorst Bells, Inc., in nearby Palm.

            Also assisting in the removal of the bell was church member Leroy Kline of Leroy

Kline Logging.

            The process involved removing the leaking roof, lifting out the bell and placing it on a trailer.

The congregation will need to assess the damage and cost before deciding whether to replace the bell in the tower or display it on another portion of the church grounds. The bell, wheel for the rope pull, and supports will be placed in storage until a decision is made.

            The bell was purchased on May 7, 1902.  It weighs 2,250 pounds and is 77 percent copper and 23 percent tin, according to a historical account of the Church

Pete Reigner, Leroy Kline and Dave Bave remove the  five-foot diameter wooden wheel attached to the bell.

history.  The cost of the bell was $475.

            An inscription on the bell reads "Procured through the efforts of the Ladies Aid Society 1902." 

            Until the bell was taken out of use last fall, it was rung before every worship service for over 100 years.

            Thanks to St. Marks Church member Pete Reigner who supplied the information for this article.