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Bethany’s Bell Tower was developed by the congregation as a love offering to our Lord to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Missouri Synod – Lutheran Church. Built in 1997 and dedicated in 1998, the Bell tower is a focal point as one enters the Church.
The Tower has three columns, representing the holy Trinity. Each is sixteen inches in diameter and twenty-five feet tall. The columns are made of cement and covered with stucco. The roof "matches" the Sanctuary roof in pitch and angle to offer a sense of unity.
Three aluminum horizontal grilles connect the three columns. They are thirteen feet above ground, with specially designed cast bronze medallions mounted on each. The three medallions depict 1) Bethany’s official seal; 2) Luther’s Crest; and 3) Missouri Synod’s official seal with the words "150th Anniversary" inscribed. |
Each is mounted in the center of each grille. The grilles and medallions "personalize" Bethany’s Bell tower and reminds all that view them that the tower was built in recognition of the 150th Anniversary of the founding of Missouri Synod.
The Tower Bell was cast in Holland (ordered through the Elderhorst Bell Company of Pennsylvania). The low "C" bell, weighing 680 pounds is 31 inches in diameter and made of bronze. The bell itself is inscribed with the words: "Bethany Lutheran Church – LCMS – 1997." An electronic mechanism activates the clapper, operated by an accessible switch near the organ console, inside the Church. The Tower Bell is rung at the beginning of every service, during each recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, and, on special occasions. One special occasion occurs each December 31st, when Bethany honors each departed member during a very special memorial service.
Floodlights are mounted mid-way on the Tower with the beams shining UP to light the bell itself and DOWN to highlight the meditation area beneath.
The Meditation area at the base of the Bell Tower is paved with bricks, surrounding the Tower area. Seating near the three tower columns offers a comfortable, pastoral area for meditation as well as offers a pleasant view upon entering the Church. |
