How it all began...
In the early 1900's the Golden Bell property was virtually undeveloped. There were a few small logging houses, trapper's cabins, ranch houses and school houses in the Divide area. Three Texans traveling through the area coined the name "Golden Bell" after one of the wives of the travelers. As the story has it, she was well known for beautiful hair, which was said to be the color of gold. Some remnants of the early days still remain to this day. For instance, several trapper cabin foundations are still standing near the dam. There is also an old stump near the dam, which still holds the image of three carved crosses, believed to have been carved by early inhabitants of the property.
The Colorado District Church of the Nazarene purchased the Golden Bell property in 1967 to replace its campground in Lakewood, Colorado. The "Ranch House" and the "Corral House: were the only buildings standing at the purchase. They are the oldest structures on the property and were part of the original ranch/farm. A number of pieces of land were sold to Nazarenes in the area to obtain the finances necessary to build permanent structures such as the lodge, chapel and the activity center on the property.
For almost 40 years, the campground has continued to develop and the programs have expanded to meet the growing needs of the Nazarene church and camping community. Today, Golden Bell has a lodge with 26 rooms, dining services and meeting rooms. In addition, there are cabins, an RV Park, Teepee camps, and a full gymnasium and indoor pool. A variety of churches, community organizations, and families use the camp and conference year around.