J. L. BELL is a Massachusetts writer who specializes in (among other things) the start of the American Revolution in and around Boston. He is particularly interested in the experiences of children in 1765-75. He has published scholarly papers and popular articles for both children and adults. He was consultant for an episode of History Detectives, and contributed to a display at Minute Man National Historic Park.

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Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Bell-Ringing and Raising at Old South This Weekend

This weekend the Old South Meeting House is installing an 1801 bell in its steeple, and celebrating that upgrade with a series of public events.

Friday, 14 October, 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
Meet Paul Revere
The silversmith and Patriot was also an early industrialist whose firm cast the meeting-house’s new bronze bell in 1801. Learn about the art of bell-casting in early America, the history of that particular bell, and Revere’s famous ride. Free with museum admission.

Saturday, 15 October, 11:00 A.M.
Old South Ringers in Concert
The Old South Ringers, a handbell choir from Old South Church (the congregation that once worshiped at the Meeting House), will perform their music for visitors. Learn about the musical tradition that grew out of the rehearsals for church bell change-ringers in the 17th century. Free with museum admission.

Sunday, 16 October
A Bell-Raising Celebration
All the following events free and open to the public

11:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.
The last chance to see the bell up close before it goes to work, chiming the 1766 tower clock on the hour.

1:00 P.M.
Music and celebratory remarks from:
  • Old South Church Choir
  • Boston Landmarks Orchestra Brass Ensemble
  • Back Bay Bell Ringers
  • Boston Children’s Chorus
  • Rev. James Crawford
  • Hon. Thomas Menino

2:00 P.M.
A crane is scheduled to lift the bell up to the steeple as other public bells in Boston ring out. The meeting-house invites everyone to bring along their own bells and join the choir.

1 comment:

J. L. Bell said...

The other Boston public bells scheduled to ring at 2:00 include:
Most Precious Blood in Hyde Park
Holy Redeemer in East Boston
Arlington Street Church in the Back Bay
Congregational Church in Allston-Brighton
Church of Our Savior in Brookline
First Baptist in Jamaica Plain
Old North in the North End
Old South in the Back Bay
King’s Chapel downtown
Park Street Church on Beacon Hill
Pilgrim Church in Dorchester
Saint Ann’s in Dorchester
Saint Francis DeSales in Charlestown
St. John’s Episcopal in Charlestown
Saint John Missionary in Roxbury
12th Baptist in the South End
All Saints Ashmont Church in Dorchester
Old Filene’s Boston Building