Riverside City History
Bells

Riverside has several strong ties to bells. From 1920 to 1964, the old bell at St. Matthews United Church of Christ could be heard for miles as it rang for church gatherings. "It was like a memorial to hear that bell ring", recalled Richard Brenner. "During funerals, the bell would ring once for each year of the deceased's age."

The church bell was dedicated in 1920 and was located in the tower until 1964 when it was replaced by an electronic carillon. After passing through several owners, Richard Brenner purchased the bell in November of 1983 and restored it to the church grounds in time for the church's 140th anniversary.

It rests in a tower on cemetery grounds adjacent to the church. There it remains to remind future generations of what St. Matthew's United Church of Christ has represented to past generations. The bell was rededicated Oct. 21, 1984.

E.H. Young, the late owner of Red-X, was also a bell lover. The longtime business and community leader collected hundreds of unique bells. Some are visible in his business, but others are kept in a private collection.

One of his bells hangs in a bell tower at the E.H. Young Riverfront Park. With the park's beautiful brick Riverwalk, the Bell Tower ensure E. H. Young Riverfront Park continues as one of the most attractive in the region.

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