Church Bells

Church Bells
CHURCH BELLS PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN CONNECTING CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

St. Barbara Church, Independence, KY

Bells call us to worship

THE POWER OF BELLS

For centuries, church bells have played a prominent role in the history of countries, communities, and places of worship throughout the world. Historically, church bells have served as timekeepers, used to mark the hour for work, prayer, and community gatherings. In addition, church bells often ring to commemorate special occasions and events. Enclosed in prominent landmark towers and steeples, church bells are known and recognized — both by sight and sound — as local fixtures that represent the enduring quality of community.

“FOR BELLS ARE THE VOICE OF THE CHURCH…”

HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW

Bells inspire us to come together

Church bells ringing joyously at Christmas and Easter stir deep emotions and memories—calling the community to church. Ringing bells cause us to pause and reflect, reminding us of the vital role our faith and church play in our lives. Communities across our country find their church is alive and well when the church bells ring.

The Verdin Company™ makes bells in cast bronze, each unique and hand crafted for a specific customer, enabling churches to create their own piece of history. For six generations, the Verdin family has been dedicated to the utmost quality, crafting bronze bells in the same tradition of workmanship as those from the 15th century, using 21st century innovations and capabilities.

Cast Bells

ELECTRONIC CHURCH BELLS

Verdin™ invites you to discover our selection of electronic digital carillons. Comprised of the real sounds of cast bronze bells, our carillons include hundreds of musical and liturgical programs, peals, tolls, swinging bells and the Westminster chimes. Verdin digital carillons allow churches to compose or select beautiful cast bronze bell music and hymns.

Carillons

ADD BELLS TO YOUR ORGAN

Now you can add the glorious sounds of bells to your organ music with our digital carillon and organ MIDI interface. Together they let you play Verdin and Schulmerich^® bell voices from your organ or piano keyboard, enabling you to enjoy the unmistakable sounds of Verdin and Schulmerich bells with your organ music.

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“For bells are the voice of the church…”

– HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW

SWINGING BELL

The ringing of a single bell traditionally called people to church. At the pull of a bell rope, the bell swings back and forth, causing the clapper inside to strike it. The change in tone and volume as the bell moves toward and away from the listener creates the familiar sound, “Ding Dong.”

PEALING BELLS

A peal is two or more bells swinging in an organic, random pattern, with the larger, heavier bells moving more slowly than the smaller, lighter ones. This “pealing of the bells” typically celebrates weddings and other joyous occasions.

TOLLING BELLS

A stationary bell struck by a heavy striker produces an even, stately sound. Large bells are “tolled” slowly in this manner during funeral processions and solemn occasions.

WESTMINSTER CHIME

Many simple melodies have been composed for bells, and the Westminster Chime has endured as the world’s most popular. This chime requires four properly tuned bells, the lowest of which marks the hour and quarter hour.

THE ANGELUS

The Angelus, long part of the Catholic tradition, is recited three times each day – morning, noon, and evening – to the sound of bell patterns coinciding with the three Hail Marys and the ending prayer. The Angelus can be rung using a single bell or a group of bells; the most famous is the St. Anne de Beaupre three-bell Angelus.

DE PROFUNDIS

The slow, solemn, measured toll of the bourdon bell marks the end of the day at 9 p.m. The name comes from the first two Latin words of Psalm 129, meaning “out of the depths.” This prayer for the departed was a common community evening prayer.

HYMNS & MELODIES

Few sounds call a church community together like a peal of bells or a familiar hymn. Verdin digital carillons fill every sanctuary and community – no matter how large or small – with the beautiful melodies of church bells.

PATRIOTIC MUSIC

Patriotic melodies and hymns can ring out on special occasions, honor our past, and set the tone for our future. The music includes hymns, military themes, national songs, and uplifting melodies.

BELL TOWERS

Verdin offers a wide range of tower choices, all designed to inspire your church and extended community with the rich sounds of cast bronze bells.

VERDIN™ STORIES

Bells of Faith

ST. BARBARA CHURCH, INDEPENDENCE, KY

Three bells and a 60-foot tower were erected by Verdin for Saint Barbara Church, bringing the beauty of bells back to the community.

Every bell and clock project starts with ideas and inspiration

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Bell ringing equipment restoration

CHRIST CHURCH, GREENWICH, CT

Through the generosity of church members, the bells of Christ Church (Episcopal), Greenwich, Connecticut were restored by Verdin. The bell ringing equipment was replaced, bells tuned, and four new bells were added to the existing ten, creating a chime of bells. The glorious sound of bells has returned to the community.

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When was the last time your bells were serviced and checked for safety?

Thousands of churches all over the country have old bells in their towers. While most cast bells last forever, the mechanical parts and supporting equipment becomes worn and fragile. Verdin can help you service, repair, and restore old bells in disrepair.