HOPE RINGS IN THE VALLEY
Our carillon was originally installed in 1910 and contained 10 bells manufactured by Meneely and Company of West Troy, New York. The bells were rung by a lever-and-pulley console, which demanded sixty pounds of push to operate.
In 1946, the carillon was "electrified," and the bells were rung using a keyboard console located adjacent to the organ. All ten bells were rededicated in memory of congregation members who died during World War 2.
In 1986, Dr. Alton J. Bush was authorized to organize the Tower Bell Project to add additional bells to the carillon. The Verdin Company of Cincinnati installed eleven new bells, which were cast in Holland by the Petit & Fritsen. The original bells were refurbished, and a new clapper system was installed for all bells. The 21-bell carillon was dedicated on June 1, 1986.
On November 1, 1987, five additional bells were dedicated. On October 8, 1988, the council approved dedicating the carillon in memory of Dr. Bush, who died earlier that year. Two additional bells were dedicated in 1989 in Dr. Bush's memory, making our 28-bell carillon one of the largest in Western Pennsylvania.
In 1999, the Verdin Company upgraded the electronic control system, which provided music every day at noon and 6 p.m. The carillon could be programed to provide music for seasons throughout the year, including Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and national holidays.
In October 2022, the hard drive in the controller system failed, and the carillon fell silent. With parts for a 23-year-old system no longer available, a new controller was needed. On April 2, 2023, the church council authorized a capital campaign to raise the estimated $30,000 needed to restore the system. Within four months, the congregation raised and exceeded the fundraising goal. On September 10, 2023, the congregation voted unaminously to accept a bid from the Verdin Company to install a new electronic control system at a cost of $26,950.
On March 17-18, 2024, the Verdin Company installed a state-of-the-art Carillon Control System, which includes a library of 150 songs and the ability to record and store 350. The entire system can be operated remotely via the internet or Smartphone App.
On Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, the Bell Tower System returned to normal operation, with bells ringing daily at noon and 6pm.
A public rededication ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 4pm.
Ongoing maintenance is required to keep the carillon functioning. Your gifts will ensure that the bills continue ringing for years to come!
Click here to make a secure online gift. Please select BELL TOWER FUND from the dropdown menu beside the words GIVE TO.
You are also invited to mail gifts to First Lutheran Church, 358 Main St. Leechburg, PA 15656. Please include "Bell Tower Fund" in the memo line.
Read more in this featured article from the April 22, 2023 Valley News Dispatch!
Read more in this follow-up article from the September 13, 2023 Valley News Dispatch!
Read this article about the completion of the project from the March 23, 2024 Valley News Dispatch!
In 1946, the carillon was "electrified," and the bells were rung using a keyboard console located adjacent to the organ. All ten bells were rededicated in memory of congregation members who died during World War 2.
In 1986, Dr. Alton J. Bush was authorized to organize the Tower Bell Project to add additional bells to the carillon. The Verdin Company of Cincinnati installed eleven new bells, which were cast in Holland by the Petit & Fritsen. The original bells were refurbished, and a new clapper system was installed for all bells. The 21-bell carillon was dedicated on June 1, 1986.
On November 1, 1987, five additional bells were dedicated. On October 8, 1988, the council approved dedicating the carillon in memory of Dr. Bush, who died earlier that year. Two additional bells were dedicated in 1989 in Dr. Bush's memory, making our 28-bell carillon one of the largest in Western Pennsylvania.
In 1999, the Verdin Company upgraded the electronic control system, which provided music every day at noon and 6 p.m. The carillon could be programed to provide music for seasons throughout the year, including Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and national holidays.
In October 2022, the hard drive in the controller system failed, and the carillon fell silent. With parts for a 23-year-old system no longer available, a new controller was needed. On April 2, 2023, the church council authorized a capital campaign to raise the estimated $30,000 needed to restore the system. Within four months, the congregation raised and exceeded the fundraising goal. On September 10, 2023, the congregation voted unaminously to accept a bid from the Verdin Company to install a new electronic control system at a cost of $26,950.
On March 17-18, 2024, the Verdin Company installed a state-of-the-art Carillon Control System, which includes a library of 150 songs and the ability to record and store 350. The entire system can be operated remotely via the internet or Smartphone App.
On Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, the Bell Tower System returned to normal operation, with bells ringing daily at noon and 6pm.
A public rededication ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 4pm.
Ongoing maintenance is required to keep the carillon functioning. Your gifts will ensure that the bills continue ringing for years to come!
Click here to make a secure online gift. Please select BELL TOWER FUND from the dropdown menu beside the words GIVE TO.
You are also invited to mail gifts to First Lutheran Church, 358 Main St. Leechburg, PA 15656. Please include "Bell Tower Fund" in the memo line.
Read more in this featured article from the April 22, 2023 Valley News Dispatch!
Read more in this follow-up article from the September 13, 2023 Valley News Dispatch!
Read this article about the completion of the project from the March 23, 2024 Valley News Dispatch!
chime inscriptions
1910 Carillon Inscriptions
BELL No. 1. - Presented by Joseph Kepple and Family; Mr. and Mrs. Winchester Hill; Mrs. Margaret Sober. This chime was erected in The First Lutheran Church, Leechburg, Pa., in October A. D., 1910, to the greater glory of God. “O, Come Let Us Worship."
BELL No. 2. - In honor of the many members of the Congregation whose names do not appear upon the bells, whose generosity made possible the erection of the chime and the necessary addition to the tower. “Ye shall know them by their fruits.”
BELL No. 3. - Presented by the Sunday School. "Feed my sheep! Feed my lambs!"
BELL No. 4. - Presented in honor of Rev. Jacob Zimmerman, by his descendants in the congregation bearing his name.
BELL No. 5.- Presented by Mrs. Flora Stivenson, in memory of John Stivenson, Sr.
BELL No. 6.- Presented by Ira S. Shaffer and Family; Levi J Hill and Family; H. D. Bruce and Family, memory of Marion L. Bruce.
BELL No. 7. - Presented by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kline; Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Craig; Mr. and Mrs. William Smiley; Mr. and Mrs. John G. Stivenson.
BELL No. 8. - Presented by Thomas M. Klingensmith and Family; Frank H. Lookabaugh and Family.
BELL No. 9. - Presented by Mr. and Mrs. Edward William Shoop.
BELL No. 10. - Presented by the Women's Missionary Society; the Young Mission Workers.
Dedicated October 29, 1910
1986 Carillon Inscriptions
In memory of Hazel Zimmerman by her husband John Zimmerman
In memory of the Family of Labanna Peter Baker by his daughter O. Lyda baker
In honor of Glark La & Laura Reed Artman, C. L & Eleanor Shaffer, Donald L. & Donna J. Shaffer, Diahanna & Douglas,
Sherry S. & Walter B. Heddinger, Jr. & Michael by Doris Fay Artman
Lena Kepple Shaner, 1913 - 1984. Her life was an inspiration to her family; through these bells, it will bring joy to others.
In loving memory of Mr. & Mrs. Glenn L. Shaner, life-long members & Mr. & Mrs. Russell Miller by the Robert L. Miller Family
In memory of Winchester & Lottie Cline & Children, Mae, Myrtle & Charles by Marie & William
In memory of Paul William Cline by his family William, Laith, Virginia, Betty & Dean
In loving memory of Elijah Meredith Lookabaugh, Lydia Cook Lookabaugh by their son Paul Meredith Lookabaugh
In memory of loved ones Marilyn W. Shaffer, Paul A. Thomas Jr., Charles H. Conto given by Mr. & Mrs. John P. Shaffer
In loving memory of R. Joseph Kepple for his devotion to his church and its music given his wife, Laura, and Children
Sing praises unto the Lord
In honor of Goldie I . Cribbs
In memory of Logan L. Cribbs
In honor of Walter & June Klingensmith
In memory of Clarence & Edith O. Schall by their daughter Hazel J. Schall
In memory of Melza Campbell
In honor of Vernon & Lillian Kilgore
In memory of Milford Schall
In memory of their parents: James C. & Mary Hall Bush, John E. & Mae Artman Copeland given by Harold J. & Margaret Copeland Bush
In memory of Merle C. Bush, Mildred Bush Piper, Rankin J. Bush, Edith Bush Lookabaugh given by Alton & Alene Bush & Family
In loving memory of Joseph & Elizabeth Kepple, Theodore & Jessie Kepple, Mary B. Kepple, Ralph & Stella Smail, Florence Kepple Smail given by Everett & Ruth Kepple Smail
In honor of Florence Kipp Isiminger. For her many years of devotion to music: singing and teaching, given by her brother James
In memory of Abram Edward Kipp. For his life-long devotion to vocal music, given by his brother James
In loving memory of William A. & Lillian B. Kipp. For their dedication to their Lord in serving in many church activities, given by their son James
Dedicated Sunday, June 1, 1986
In memory of Hazel Zimmerman by her husband John Zimmerman
In memory of the Family of Labanna Peter Baker by his daughter O. Lyda baker
In honor of Glark La & Laura Reed Artman, C. L & Eleanor Shaffer, Donald L. & Donna J. Shaffer, Diahanna & Douglas,
Sherry S. & Walter B. Heddinger, Jr. & Michael by Doris Fay Artman
Lena Kepple Shaner, 1913 - 1984. Her life was an inspiration to her family; through these bells, it will bring joy to others.
In loving memory of Mr. & Mrs. Glenn L. Shaner, life-long members & Mr. & Mrs. Russell Miller by the Robert L. Miller Family
In memory of Winchester & Lottie Cline & Children, Mae, Myrtle & Charles by Marie & William
In memory of Paul William Cline by his family William, Laith, Virginia, Betty & Dean
In loving memory of Elijah Meredith Lookabaugh, Lydia Cook Lookabaugh by their son Paul Meredith Lookabaugh
In memory of loved ones Marilyn W. Shaffer, Paul A. Thomas Jr., Charles H. Conto given by Mr. & Mrs. John P. Shaffer
In loving memory of R. Joseph Kepple for his devotion to his church and its music given his wife, Laura, and Children
Sing praises unto the Lord
In honor of Goldie I . Cribbs
In memory of Logan L. Cribbs
In honor of Walter & June Klingensmith
In memory of Clarence & Edith O. Schall by their daughter Hazel J. Schall
In memory of Melza Campbell
In honor of Vernon & Lillian Kilgore
In memory of Milford Schall
In memory of their parents: James C. & Mary Hall Bush, John E. & Mae Artman Copeland given by Harold J. & Margaret Copeland Bush
In memory of Merle C. Bush, Mildred Bush Piper, Rankin J. Bush, Edith Bush Lookabaugh given by Alton & Alene Bush & Family
In loving memory of Joseph & Elizabeth Kepple, Theodore & Jessie Kepple, Mary B. Kepple, Ralph & Stella Smail, Florence Kepple Smail given by Everett & Ruth Kepple Smail
In honor of Florence Kipp Isiminger. For her many years of devotion to music: singing and teaching, given by her brother James
In memory of Abram Edward Kipp. For his life-long devotion to vocal music, given by his brother James
In loving memory of William A. & Lillian B. Kipp. For their dedication to their Lord in serving in many church activities, given by their son James
Dedicated Sunday, June 1, 1986
"On Hearing the Chimes of First Lutheran Church, Leechburg, PA"
"I stood alone upon a twilight hill
When busy day's long work was done, and heard,
Clear-toned as is the throat of some sweet bird
Warbling its song unto a listening rill
The silver voices of the bells that fill
The evening valleys with old hymns unheard
Since childhood days, dear music like the Word
Of God that leaves the listener awed and still.
"Ring on, O silver chimes of singing bells,
Singing the cares of all the world away,
Bringing the dear old melody that swells
My eyes to tears, hymning the far-away
To you our love, our grateful hearts belong,
O Chimes, Sweet Gospelers of golden song."
--Dr. John D. M. Brown, Muhlenberg College, 1910
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