St. Michael's Catholic Church Bell
Tarnov, Nebraska
Inscribed on the Bell:
The Hy. Stuckstede B. F. Co.
St. Louis, Mo 1893
Darowall Kosciolowi
S W Michala Tarnowie Nebr
Joseph Paprocki J. Sofia
Zona Jeco
Weight: 295 lbs.
In the early 1870's with much unrest in Poland, Francis Paprocki, a blacksmith, left his homeland in search of a better way of life. He came to America settling near what is now known as Tarnov, Nebraska. St. Michael's Catholic Church was founded in 1880 and in 1883 a wooden church was built on six acres of land donated by Mr. and Mrs. Francis Paprocki. In January, 1892, a decision was made to enlarge the church and build a sacristry. Work was begun April 8, 1892, and the bell in the steeple was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Paprocki.
On December 17, 1899, it was realized the parish had to have a larger church. The new church was dedicated on October 11, 1901.
In 1911, a school was built and the bell was transferred to a cupola at the school. The bell was removed from the school in September, 1978.
Marker is on 33rd Avenue (U.S. 30/81) near 7th Street, on the right when traveling south.
Courtesy hmdb.org
