06/26/2018
The Petit & Fritsen Chime Bell Tower at Capitol Drive Lutheran Church rings high above West Capitol Drive in Milwaukee’s northwest Sherman Park neighborhood with a tall metal cross on top that proclaims Christ's victory over sin and death through the Easter Resurrection. The tower and belfry was dedicated to the glory of God in October 1956 as a memorial gift by Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Schuster in memory of their son “Buzzy” who had passed away at a young age.
The tower is attached to the church at the northeast section of the building near the intersection of 53rd street and West Capitol Drive with the cross and bell tower a distinct part of the church’s architecture. The tower, which stands adjacent to the chancel area of the sanctuary, is clearly visible to travelers on Capitol Drive. The tower is also illuminated at night along with the north façade of the building along Capitol Drive.
There are ten bells high in the belfry which form a “Chime” of bells. A chime is a group of eight to ten bells in diatonic scale. A Carillon has 25 or more bells while a collection of fewer than eight bells form a peal. Complete carillons contain five and a half octaves formed by 72 bells.
Petit and Fritsen Bells
The tower bells were cast by the Petit and Fritsen Bell Foundry in Aarle-Rixtel, Holland. The bell foundry dates to 1660 as the oldest family owned business in The Netherlands. The compositions of the bells are 20% virgin tin and 80% virgin copper.
Inscribed on each bell is a decorative exterior with the Petit and Fritsen foundry name along with the Aarle-Rixtel city name wrapped around the upper portion of the bell. The name of the “Rev. J H. Baumgaertner, Pastor - 1956" is inscribed on the reverse of the largest bell. The casting on the lower portion of each bell reads, “The I.T. Verdin Company, Cincinnati, Ohio.” Each bell also has Martin Luther’s Seal inscribed on the “reverse” side while the following memorial is inscribed on the front:
In Loving Memory of Richard Lee (Buzzy) Schuster - 1940 - 1955
“Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 19: 14
Details of the Petit & Fritsen bells from the archives are listed as follows:
Bell # 1: 880 lbs. 34" diameter; Key of B flat
Bell # 2: 640 lbs. 31" diameter; Key of C
Bell # 3: 440 lbs. 27" diameter; Key of D
Bell # 4: 365 lbs. 26" diameter; Key of E flat
Bell # 5: 265 lbs. 21" diameter; Key of F
Bell # 6: 190 lbs. 20" diameter; Key of G
Bell # 7: 165 lbs. 19" diameter; Key of A flat (G #)
Bell # 8: 147 lbs. 19" diameter; Key of A
Bell # 9: 132 lbs. 18" diameter; Key of B flat
Bell # 10: 110 lbs. 17" diameter; Key of C
I.T. Verdin Company
The I.T. Verdin Company of Cincinnati, Ohio served as architect and contractor for the installation of the bells, mechanical action, and original electric operating systems. The Verdin Company today is still a reputable bell company that manufactures and services bell towers throughout the land.
Ringing the Chime of Bells
The bells, as installed in 1956, were designed to be rung by a “simulator” that allowed for automatic playing of the Westminster Tune and Angelus peals along with a call to worship peal. A small electric keyboard console next to the organ in the sanctuary allows the organist to play the bells as a part of the worship service.
History of Repairs and Upkeep
Prior to 2000, bells remained operable without any major problems. Considering that they are raised in an open tower some 60 to 70 feet above ground means that reaching them is not for the faint-hearted. However, by the turn of the millennium, the 44 year old bell tower had come into disrepair as the Westminster Tune and call to worship peals no longer worked with only two of the bells operating fully while others sounded weak. With prayerful consideration by the congregation, the bells were repaired to operational condition in 2002 by the Lee Manufacturing Company of Oak Creek, WI. Repairs to the bell striker mechanisms occurred along with replacement of the original electrical controls. The original console was integrated into the electronic upgrades of the belfry. An Apollo Master Clock replaced the original clock and “simulator” which allows many possibilities including the call to worship, Westminster Tune, and a funeral peal. A secondary keyboard has been installed in the base of the bell tower that allows for the recording and automatic playback of hymns.
Bell Schedule
In October 2016, the bell tower turned 60 years old. With the repairs undertaken in 2002, the belfry faithfully rang the Westminster Tune every day, every hour on the hour from 9am to 9pm (except Sunday mornings). The call to worship pealed each Sunday morning for morning services. The belfry is even capable of playing hymns appropriate to the season at predetermined times thanks to the 2002 enhancements. The church archives indicate that festive bell carols were rang at Christmas time over the years at certain times of the day by individuals who considered it an honor to be chosen to be the carillonneurs each year. It is also possible for concerts to be had using the chime of bells.
Fund Raising
In 2018 with the bell tower needing more repairs and restoration efforts needed, the bells are currently shutoff. Estimates for needed repairs indicate that $100,000 is needed for a complete restoration.
Donations may be made by sending funds to the church:
Capitol Drive Lutheran Church
Attn Bell Tower Fund
5229 W Capitol Drive
Milwaukee. WI 53216
