First Church of Christ, Congregational

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First Church of Christ, Congregational

A church committee was formed in 1965 to evaluation bells options for their existing tower.  The committee decided on a 24-bell carillon cast by Whitechapel bell foundry in London, England, and after the retirement of long-time music director George W. Stearns it was decided to name the carillon in his honor.  Memorial bells and contributions from church members enabled the installation of the bells, which were dedicated on on June 7, 1970 with a recital by David M. Angelica.

Church carillonneur Arthur Hatton suggested adding more bells, and the Music Committee ordered 26 more Whitechapel bells, which were dedicated on September 29, 1985 Timothy Hurd.

References
1968 "Church to Honor Retiring Minister with Reception," Hartford Courant, September 28, 1968, Page 19.

1970 "Carillon Dedication Recital," Hartford Courant, June 6, 1970, Page 15.
David Angelica, Trinity College Carilloneur

1985 The Dedication of the Stearns Carillon in Honor of Gordon W. Stearns, Sr, September 29, 1985
Includes a history of the carillon.

1989 "Dr. Gordon W. Stearns," Hartford Courant, October 11, 1989, Page 42.

© 2023 Morris A. Pierce