First brought to Hoyleton in the mid to late 1800's, the bell served as an alarm bell from 1914 to 1948. From 1948 to 1961, it served the congregation of the Bethel Methodist Church, located east of Hoffman. In 1962 the bell disappeared. On July 10, 1983, Henry W. Reinkensmeyer and Mel Hart returned it to Hoyleton. It was given and dedicated to the past, present, and future citizens of Hoyleton, Illinois by American Legion Claude Earl Post 7887.