Did Silvio Modena, Jr. Find The Missing Church Bell of Half Moon Bay?

Story by Silvio Modena, Jr.

Email Silvio: [email protected]

Please visit Silvio’s wonderful website (imakebells.com) click here

(Silvio makes GARDEN, MUSICAL & SPIRITUAL bells.)

Hello June,

I’m Silvio Modena Jr. I was given your book to me by my sister years ago and treasure it dearly.

This is about a bell found at the Our Lady of the Pillar cemetery located up on the hill behind town. In your book on page 75 A Child’s View of Old Half Moon Bay. In your writings about the Pilarcitos Cemetery the Church that was built on the property that Tiburcio Vasques donated for the cemetery in about 1856 then in about 1870 it burnt down.

Do you have any information about there being a bell in the tower or a photo or a lead about a bell. The Catholic Church in town doesn’t have any knowledge of the bell.

My company is I MAKE BELLS CO. I want to restore this old bell that’s been in the weeds and is severely corroded. It looks very,very old. We think it may have come from the old Pilarcitos Cemetery Church. The bell size is approx 21″ tall and 32 ” diameter.

Thank You ,
Silvio, The Bellman

Email Silvio:[email protected]

[Image of the old Catholic Church, replaced by the newer one standing in downtown Half Moon Bay. Most of the settlers attended the older church and it was much beloved by local parishioners. Originally, there was another church standing in the Pilarcitos Cemetery alongside Highway 92.]