The bell was cast in a foundry at Hillsboro, Ohio that at one time also made bells for the
U.S. Navy. The firm's name was Buckeye Bell Foundry. Our bell was shipped to Portsmouth on the railroad, then hauled to the church by a horse-drawn dray. It was installed in the original building in 1878. The bell was hung in the present tower in 1911.
The Buckeye Bell Foundry was established by George Washington Coffin in 1837. That foundry name was maintained throughout more than a century of operation, in spite of various changes in proprietorship.
From 1866-1891, the Buckeye Bell Foundry, with the firm name Vanduzen and Tift of Cincinnati, Ohio, was owned by E.W. Vanduzen & C.T. Tift. That is why the name Vanduzen & Tift Cincinnati appears on the yoke of our bell. Sadly, all foundry records for those early years were destroyed by the Great Ohio River Flood of 1937.
You may be a little surprised by the appearance of our bronze bell. As bronze ages to near 80 years, it's color will change from a golden hue to silver (actually more like nickel). As the copper in the metal oxidizes it turns green, much like the Statue of Liberty. As this green patina is washed off by dew and the atmosphere, flecks of incompletely amalgamated tin work to the surface. Then, if the bell is polished or cleaned, it takes on the finish of a slightly dull tin can.
Inscribed on the yoke of the bell is Psalm 150:6.
“Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord!”
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A VERY special thanks Doug Hines and Cindy Cookson!
For braving the height to take these pictures for us, we thank you!
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