12/18/2023
Good Afternoon,
Neill Carillon Service was on site this morning to address some programming tweaks that we needed to complete. The bells are fully operational at 12:00pm and 6:00pm. We wanted this system active for the upcoming Christmas holiday.
One comment I have received is that the physical sound is not as loud as it used to be. I want to let everyone know that both the bell company and I are aware. The “old” sound that everyone is familiar with was a result of the bells physically swinging. The bells will never sound 100% the same as this is not the same system. This system also does not swing the bells…it strikes them. This was a decision made not only because it was half the cost, but also resulted in no additional routine maintenance and no additional “strain” on the structure of the church. If anyone was in the building when the old system operated, you know how scary it sounded as the bell swung above. After the Christmas holiday, Ken Neill and his staff will come back and physically adjust the equipment to strike harder which will make the sound louder. This is not something that can be done in programmable settings.
Lastly, those who live within ear shot of the church already know that we had a lot of issues with the settings and ring times. I made 2 trips to the church in the middle of the night to address beautiful bell ringing (which I’m sure didn’t sound so beautiful to those trying to sleep.) Today we went through every setting to confirm the bells are only sounding at 12:00pm and 6:00pm.
The new system runs on electrical notification and signal. There is a slim possibility that the older church writing (not the newly installed portion) may shake if a large truck drives down Pulaski Highway and the system thinks it’s time to ring. If anyone notices that the bells ring at any other time, please let me know immediately. There is an option to install a filter on the lines, however, we have not confirmed that an issue above and beyond programming exists. We do not want to endure the extra expense if it’s not necessary, however, we do have the funds already collected in case they are needed.
Lastly, I am going to speak with Fr. Slawek about a dedication ceremony which will probably take place in warmer weather. We were beyond blessed to collect the funds so quickly and want everyone to be formally acknowledged.
Again, if anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Tyler Zygmunt Murtie
Project Chair
