Carillon — Washington Memorial Chapel

A Short HISTORY OF THE CARILLON

The Washington Memorial National Carillon evolved from a smaller collection of fourteen bells dedicated in 1926. Construction of the bell tower began in 1941 and was completed in 1953.

Conception

Inspired by the founder of the Chapel, the Rev. W. Herbert Burk, the Washington Memorial National Carillon evolved from the Star Spangled Banner National Peace Chime, which consisted of fourteen bells—one for each of the thirteen colonies and one representing the “National Birthday.” This fourteenth bell bears a star and the name of every state in the order it came into the Union. The term “chime” is used to designate a bell instrument with fewer than 23 bells. “Carillon” is used to designate a bell instrument of 23 or more bells. The Washington Memorial National Carillon started as a chime and was later enlarged into a carillon.

The first fourteen bells ranged in weight from 3,500 pounds to 225 pounds, and was dedicated on July 4, 1926 in commemoration of 150 years of American independence.

CONSTRUCTION

The chime had been intended only as the initial step in securing enough bells for a National Carillon with all states in the Union represented. Fourteen more Meneely bells were added in the late 1920’s and 1930’s and were assigned in the order of the individual state’s population. These lower 28 bells were cast by the Meneely Bell Foundry of Watervliet, New York.

The tower and carillon were dedicated on April 18, 1953. The ceremony was followed by the Dedicatory Recital performed by the Chapel’s first carillonneur, Frank Péchin Law. Our national anthem was the first musical composition played on the carillon.

COMPLETION

Mrs. William Stark Tompkins, State Regent of the Pennsylvania Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, established the Washington Memorial Committee in 1941 to raise funds and build the new tower and complete the carillon. Construction of the new bell tower began in 1941, but was suspended for the duration of World War II. Once resumed in 1950, it took three years to complete.