Let’s Hear the Bells Ring Again!
We are continuing our FUND-A-NEED efforts to help cover the cost of the bell repairs through Easter Sunday.
History of our Bell Tower
December 11, 1971—a new 35 foot bell tower, to house the three bells, designed by Architect Arthur E. Stauder, was begun this week at a ground-breaking ceremony, on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of Father Woracek.
The Columbkille bell, a 1,400 pound, 42 inch Stuckstaede, tuned F Sharp, and consecrated at St. Columbkille, was originally cast in 1882, as a contribution of Patrick and Anna Byrne of Byrnesville. The bell was later recast in 1906, during the Pastorate of Father Nazareno Orfei, and hung throughout the years of St. Columbkille Church in Byrnesville until 1961 when the two churches were razed and combined to form one parish.
The bell from St. Philomena’s, a 455 pound, 27 inch Stuckstaede, tuned C, and consecrated at St. PhilomeNa, was also cast during the Pastorate of Father Orfei.
The new bell as well, is a Stuckstaede, 704 pound, tuned B, and consecrated at Our Lady Queen of Peace. The large tenor bell is used as the toll bell.
A special memorial plaque calling attention to the significance of the tower was placed on the concrete base of the tower, reading as follows:
“These peals echo the joy of our parish ancestors standing in daily prayer for us before our Savior Jesus Christ. The family of Our Lady Queen of Peace, commend to all who hear these bells the prayerful and happy memories of faith in the congregations of saints Philomena and Columbkille. May their Faith stand to challenge us now and in the future. Built to commemorate the Silver Jubilee, Reverend Thomas J. Woracek, Pastor, Easter Sunday, April, 1972.”
On April 2, 1972, Easter Sunday, the three bells were rung for the first time.
Please, won’t you help us to hear those three bells ring again? Any amount is appreciated. You can pick up an envelope in the Gathering Area marked “Bell Repair Fund” and drop it in the collection basket at mass, in the box in the Gathering Area, or drop it off at the Parish Office. Or, go to our Online Giving link from our website. Please be sure to select “Fund-a-Need—Bell Repair” for your donation.
It will cost more than $20,000 for the repairs for the bells. As of right now, over $5,900 has been donated. We will evaluate the possible extension of this campaign at the end of March.
