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:

  1. 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

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