The St. Luke's Carillon

The St. Luke’s bell tower is 185 feet tall and the carillon is comprised of 42 bells and has a musical range of four octaves.  It was founded in Aarle-Rixtel, Holland, by the Petit & Fritsen Ltd., Bell Foundry.  The bells total weight is 13,315 pounds, individual bells range from 20 to 3,190 pounds. The carillon is played from the clavier room, located directly below the bells at the 11th floor, or digitally with the digital console installed in 2017. 

The St. Luke’s bells were a gift in the mid-1950’s from the late Vernon V. Harris and his family, as their part in construction of the Sanctuary. A lifetime St. Luke’s member, Mr. Harris died before the carillon’s dedication on September 16, 1956, and the bells are his memorial.

The St. Luke’s Carillon was dedicated on Sunday, September 16, 1956 with special guest carillonneur Robert Dunnell. Over the years the bells have been used to call people to worship and for such joyful occasions as weddings and concerts, the St. Luke’s carillon has also sounded for solemn events. At the request of the Governor, the carillon was rung on April 20, 1995, honoring all those killed in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building the previous day. 

As you listen to the St. Luke’s bells, imagine some of the countless jubilant occasions through the ages celebrated by the lighter melodies of a carillon. And envision those mournful events of history marked by its deep somber tones.