|
 |
 |
|
During the July 4th weekend of 2010, the bells in the Assumption church tower pealed once again after many years of silence.
The bells were manufactured by the Meneely Bell Company of Troy, NY. For a history of this company click here. There are two bells in the tower. The larger one, dedicated to Mary
of the Assumption, is quite heavy and several feet in diameter. When it is rung together with its smaller partner, a peal
of bells is achieved. We ring these bells fifteen minutes before Mass as a "call to worship". They are also pealed at weddings.
The larger bell when rung slowly and alone is known as a toll bell, and is rung at funerals. We also toll this bell every
September 11th to commemorate the day and tolled it on March 25, 2011 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist
Company fire tragedy in New York City. Click here for info. On October 28, 2011 the tower was inspected for safety and performance
of the bell assembly. Thank you to the anonymous benefactor for restoring these beautiful bells. Here is the inscription that
is cast on the smaller of the two bells in the tower: Sunday, August 6, 1922 Archbishop Patrick Hayes Reverend Carmelo Crisci, Pastor Meneely Bell Co. Troy, NY  Smaller bell with casting  Two bells with pulley for large bell  Large bell with louvered round window.  View looking north over Assumption School into St. George. Screening is to keep birds and small animals out of belfry. |