PHILADELPHIA PA The Bells

[George Dawson]

I quote from ' The Organ & Bells of Christ Church Philadelphia':

Ringing continued until World War I and then, sporadically, until the
ringing floor was removed in rhe mid 1930's for the enlargement of the
organ. During this time the bells continued to be chimed.

When the 4th bell was recast in 1953 it was recast to a chiming size, but
then rehung on the old headstock. The bottom quarter of the wheel was cut
away & is still missing.
The old ropes are still in position but there is nowhere to ring from. I
visited in March 2002 courtesy of the Clerk of Works. The church authorities
do NOT welcome people asking to see the bells as such. They are interested
in preserving the only wooden 18th century 8 bell frame surviving in America
rather than having a ringing peal. I pointed out that the two are not
incompatible.

George Dawson

BPHILADELPHIA PA The Bells