From the Grayslake Historical Society Archives: The Old Church Bell

This post was reported and written by the Grayslake Historical Society.

You don't have to go into the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum to see one of the historic Grayslake artifacts in the Grayslake Historical Society's collection.

The original bell for St. Andrew Episcopal Church, which announced many church events and community activities, is displayed outside near the entrance of the Heritage Center, 164 Hawley St. The bell was donated by the church to be displayed at the Heritage Center. In September 1990, the church bell was replaced by an electronically operated bronze bell. It rings daily at noon and 6 p.m.

Previously it was rung before regular church services and before weddings and funerals. It was also rung at noon and 5 p.m.

The church was founded on Oct. 20, 1907. In 1914, a new Ladies Auxiliary organized and raised $1,000 to purchase property at the corner of Park Avenue and Lake Street. The cornerstone was laid on St. Andrew's Day, Nov. 30, 1927. The building is the oldest structure in Grayslake that has been continuously used as a church.

William Heard is thought to have purchased the original bell and was also the bell ringer.

The displayed bell is complete with a plaque that reads: "The original bell from St. Andrew Episcopal Church heralded many events in the life of the church and community. Usually an altar boy would be assigned the task of pulling the long rope. It was rung before regular services. It also was rung for weddings and funerals. The bell also rang at noon and 5 p.m. acting as a reminder for children to run home for meals. After many years of service it was replaced in the early 1990s by an electronically operated bell."

According to church history, the first Episcopal service in Grayslake was held on Oct. 20, 1907 with about 70 people attending. The service was officiated by the Rev. William E. Toll, the rector of Christ Church in Waukegan.

Church construction began in 1927 and the first services were held in the building on Feb. 5, 1928. The church was dedicated a month later, but was not consecrated until 1942. The building was designed by architect and parishioner Carl Clausen. It cost $12,000.

Other milestones in the history of the church include:

• In 1949, the home directly east of the church was purchased for $10,000 to serve as the rectory. The Rev. Robert Liebenow was the first vicar to live in Grayslake.

• Construction and remodeling of the church began in 1952 with the addition of a parish hall and kitchen; seating capacity expansion; and the addition of a choir loft and changing rooms. The work was completed in 1955.
  

• In 1955, the diocese granted parish stature to St. Andrew Episcopal Church.
  

• In 1966, a building addition with offices, classrooms and meeting rooms was completed.
  

• During the 1980s, stained-glass windows depicting the seven sacraments were installed on either side of the nave.
  

• In the early 2000s, a new playground was installed at the site of the former rectory garage and major renovations were made to accommodate the growing Christian education program.
  

• In May 2004, Elijah's Mantle was founded as a community service project of the church to provide gently used children's clothing to families in need.
  

During the award-winning exhibition Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America, which closes June 16, the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum, 164 Hawley St., Grayslake is open additional hours. Special hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 8 p.m. and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Regular hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and during downtown community events, including the Farmers Market.