A Tale of Two Bells

The Bells

 Cast Iron Bell - 1869

St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church                              100 Foot Campanile - 2009

Tuscaloosa, Alabama                                                       Holy Spirit Church

                         Presently – Near Covered Driveway                Digital chimes announce the hour throughout the day

This picture depicts a common scene at the west entry into Holy Spirit Church – our heritage on display. The Cast Iron Bell is from St. Mary Magdalene Church that was closed in the 1960’s when the parish was united into Holy Spirit Parish. The bell has been mounted on a concrete base and is located near the Campanile our new church. Our new bell tower, the Campanile, digitally chimes the hours each day and plays sacred music several times daily. It can also be programmed to play a variety of sacred and patriotic music.

 Church bells tolling and calling people to services have been common throughout history. This picture serves to remind us of a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow entitled I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day --- The last verse is printed here.  

 Excerpt from ‘I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day’

            By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

 And in despair I bowed my head; "There is no peace on earth," I said;

"For hate is strong,

And mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;

The Wrong shall fail,

The Right prevail,

With peace on earth, good-will to men."