| The Bells at St. Timothy's |
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| A brief history... The bell tower at Saint Timothy’s was erected in 1871, however it was not until 1876 that a fund was established to purchase a “chime of bells” for the church. Some of the bells were donated in honor of families and others in memoriam of family members. The final two bells were installed in the tower in 1959, giving the belltower a total of twelve bells. Saint Timothy’s has relatively recently completed a long overdue renovation of the bells to improve the ability of the “bell ringers” to ring the bells from the tower. The renovation project also included the installation of an electrical system that allows the ringing of the bells from a console in the church sanctuary. The project helped improve the sound of the bells so that they might continue to chime well into the 21st century. |
| A Technical Note There is a simple distinction between English church bells and American church bells: the English bells, called “changes,” have moving bells while American bells, called “chimes,” remain stationary while being struck with clappers. Saint Timothy’s belltower is equipped with twelve American style bells cast by Meneely and Company in Troy, New York. The original bells in the tower were first run on the Eve of All Saints, 1897. Bells were added to the collection until the final installment in 1959. |
| The shape of the bell determines the determines the sound, giving the bells a very distinct sound. Each chime sounds a different note and each has a name. The heaviest bell in Saint Timothy’s tower is called “Be Unto God For Ever and Ever” and weighs 2154 pounds. A smaller bell, “Blessing” weighs just 320 pounds and sounds an “F” note. Other bells are named: “Glory,” “Wisdom,” “Thanksgiving,” “Honor,” “Power,” and “Might.” More technical information about the bells at Saint Timothy’s can be found here. |
| Saint Timothy's Episcopal Church, Roxborough 5720 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19128, office: (215) 483-1529, fax: (215) 483-4476 |