The first bells in the Christ Church tower date from 1915 and were cast by the McShane bell foundry. Over the years, a few more bells were added, bringing the total to 17 bells. Technically, this number of bells constitutes a “Chime” where a collection of 23 or more bells would constitute a “Carillon”. In 2020, the Verdin Bell Co. of Cincinnati completed a major upgrade of the bell system, which included replacing the aging wood bell frame with a steel frame and installing a new digital touchscreen control unit and external keyboard (playable at the organ).
Originally, the three lowest bells were swinging bells, meaning they could be swung 360 degrees by pulling on a rope. These bells are now stationary, though the clappers inside are able to mimic this type of swinging sound. The three lowest bells are also the “peal” bells. A peal is often rung on a special occasion like a wedding, a high holy day or a observation of a significant event in our community or country. The upper 14 bells make up the rest of the chime and, paired with the three peal bells, they can play several hundred pre-programmed songs, or anything one wishes, by using the external keyboard.
The bells can be heard chiming every quarter hour between 9 AM & 9 PM Mon-Sat and 8 AM & 9 PM on Sun.
- In-person worship in the Historic Church (Rite I, no music)
