Olton's Union Church Bell
Olton, Lamb County, Texas
Marker Inscription
When the Soash Land Company founded Olton in 1908, lots were provided for a school, church and bank. Residents of the new town erected a Union church for all denominations about 1909. Soon afterward, they purchased this 950-pound steel bell. Its tones called worshipers from miles around. In 1928, a tornado destroyed the bell tower. The Methodist congregation bought the bell and moved it to a new building at 10th and Avenue E in 1934. In 1958 they sold the property and bell to the Church of the Nazarene. (1978)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
When the Soash Land Company laid out Olton in 1908, it set aside lots for a school, church and bank, and townspeople soon raised a Union church open to all denominations. About 1909 they hung this 950-pound steel bell, whose tones carried across the plains to call worshipers from miles around. After a 1928 tornado toppled the bell tower, the Methodist congregation bought the bell and moved it, and in 1958 it passed to the Church of the Nazarene.
Why it matters
A shared 'union' church bell speaks to how newly planted High Plains towns pooled faith and resources across denominations to build community from bare prairie.
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Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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