Visit Walnut Grove’s Church Bell Charles Ingalls Donated To
In Laura Ingalls Wilder’s On the Banks of Plum Creek, a heartwarming and significant moment unfolds when Charles Ingalls, known affectionately as “Pa,” heads into town with the intention of buying himself a much-needed new pair of boots. His old boots were so worn and tattered that they could no longer be patched, and it was clear that a new pair was long overdue. However, when Pa encountered Reverend Alden in town and learned that the town’s fundraising efforts for a new church bell had fallen short, he made a selfless decision that has since become an enduring part of both the Ingalls family legacy and the history of Walnut Grove.
Upon hearing Reverend Alden’s plight, Charles Ingalls gave the last three dollars he had—money he had intended to use for his new boots—toward the purchase of the church bell. This act of generosity is poignantly captured in the chapter titled “Going to Church,” where Pa returns home without the new boots, much to the concern of his wife, Caroline.
“Where are your boots, Charles?” she asked.
“Well, Caroline,” Pa said. “I saw Brother Alden and he told me he couldn’t raise money enough to put a bell in the belfry. The folks in town had all given every cent they could, and he lacked just three dollars. So I gave him the money.”
“Oh, Charles!” was all Ma said.
Pa looked down at his cracked boot. “I’ll patch it,” he said. “I can make it hold together somehow. And do you know, we’ll hear that church bell ringing clear out here.”
Ma turned quickly back to the stove, and Laura went quietly out and sat down on the step. Her throat hurt her. She did so want Pa to have good new boots.
“Never mind, Caroline,” she heard Pa saying. “It’s not long to wait till I harvest the wheat.”
Chapter 24 Going to Church, On the Banks of Plum Creek
This passage not only highlights Charles Ingalls’ character—his deep faith, sense of community, and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good—but also emphasizes the importance of the church bell in the lives of the settlers. In 1874, the bell that Charles helped fund was installed in what was then known as the Union Congregational Church in Walnut Grove. For the community, the church bell was more than just a means to call people to worship; it was a symbol of unity, faith, and the perseverance of the settlers in their frontier town.
The church bell that Charles Ingalls contributed to is not just a piece of history confined to the pages of Wilder’s books. Remarkably, this very bell remains in service today. It continues to ring out in Walnut Grove, now housed at the English Lutheran Church located at 450 Wiggins Street. Visitors to Walnut Grove can still hear the echoes of the past through the ringing of this bell, a tangible connection to the story of the Ingalls family and the real-life pioneer community they were a part of.
The historical significance of this bell goes beyond its original purpose. It represents the spirit of giving and the tight-knit community that defined Walnut Grove during the 19th century. Charles Ingalls’ decision to prioritize the needs of the community over his own personal comfort is a testament to the values that were integral to pioneer life—values that Laura Ingalls Wilder immortalized in her books. Today, the bell serves as both a historical artifact and a living symbol of the enduring legacy of the Ingalls family and their contributions to the town of Walnut Grove.
For fans of the Little House series and history enthusiasts alike, a visit to Walnut Grove offers a unique opportunity to explore the town’s rich history and to see firsthand the places and objects that played a role in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s life and stories. The church bell, which continues to ring out over the town, serves as a poignant reminder of the real-life events that inspired one of America’s most beloved literary series. To learn more about Walnut Grove and the many other historical sites and attractions it offers, you can explore further details about this charming town and its deep connections to Laura Ingalls Wilder’s legacy.
