The Church Street School Bell
The Borough of Phoenixville honored an important piece of its history Tuesday, Sept. 15 with a dedication ceremony for the historic Church Street School Bell. This landmark has been a fixture in Reeves Park for more than a century. The dedication ceremony celebrated the preservation of a bell that dates to the earliest days of public education in Phoenixville.
“The restoration of this bell is a great example of what can happen when a community comes together to preserve its history,” said Mayor Peter Urscheler. “It is more than an old piece of metal; it represents Phoenixville’s early commitment to public education and the generations of residents who have called this Borough home.”
Cast in 1859 by Naylor-Vickers & Co. of Sheffield, England, using E. Riepe’s patented cast-steel process, the bell was purchased for the newly constructed Church Street Public School. When the school opened in 1860, it became Phoenixville’s first public school.
For years, the bell stood atop the school, marking the beginning and end of the school day. It also rang out to commemorate Independence Day, New Year’s Day, and other community celebrations. Its sound became a familiar part of daily life in the growing borough.
After developing a crack in 1871, the bell’s tone deteriorated until it was eventually removed from the school. The bell was then given to the Phoenixville Fire Department before being placed in outdoor storage where it remained until Borough Councilman L. B. Vanderslice had it moved to Reeves Park. Due to its damaged condition, the bell was inverted and repurposed as a decorative flower planter.
In 2026, Gern Jeager and his team at Specialty Metals Welding and Fabrication were tasked with giving the Church Street School Bell a second life. Through their efforts, the bell was restored to its original glory, and a space in Reeves Park was created to serve as its new home.
The ceremony provided an opportunity for residents, community leaders and local historians to gather and recognize the bell’s remarkable journey and its connection to generations of Phoenixville residents.
“Preserving pieces of Phoenixville’s history like this bell gives us a tangible connection to the people and places that helped shape our community,” said Borough Council President Jonathan Ewald. “This bell has witnessed generations of Phoenixville’s history, and it is wonderful to see it restored and given a prominent place in Reeves Park where residents and visitors can appreciate its story for years to come.”
More than 165 years after it was cast, the Church Street School Bell remains a distinctive feature of Reeves Park. Its legacy tells a story of changing times, community stewardship, and the enduring value of preserving local history.
