Avenue near Bushwood in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Old Chapel Bell
On July 2, 1970 the Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire on Route 242 across from Kopels Marina. There were 20 firefighters who responded under the direction of Chief George McWilliams III. The location was the old chapel owned by John Choporis of Tacoma Park, MD. Lighting had struck the bell tower of the chapel. Due to the unsafe nature of the bell in the bell tower, Chief McWilliams directed the firefighters to remove the bell and it was brought to the firehouse for safe keeping. In July of 1970 Mr. John Choporis gave custody of the bell to the Seventh District Fire Department. The conditions were, the bell shall be maintained in good condition and protected from the elements.
In 1979 the bell was placed on the base where it is displayed today.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Communications • Disasters. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 2, 1970.
Location. 38° 15.793′ N, 76° 45.885′ W. Marker is near Bushwood, Maryland, in St. Mary's County. It is in Avenue. Marker is on Colton Point Road (Maryland Route 242) north of Abell Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Ways to Explore Southern Maryland's Scenic and Historic Routes (approx. 2.7 miles away); Discover Southern Maryland's Amazing Stories of Exploration, Hope, and Courage (approx. 2.7 miles away); St. Clement's Island Museum (approx. 2.7 miles away); Charlotte Hall School (approx. 2.8 miles away); Dory Boats (approx. 2.8 miles away); With Great Emotion of Soul (approx. 2.8 miles away); Journey to an Island (approx. 2.8 miles away); The Black Diamond Incident (approx. 2.8 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 107 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 26, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
