After months of silence that left many wondering about the fate of the school’s beloved chapel bells, the iconic sounds have officially returned to campus life following the installation of brand-new equipment.
The chapel bells, which had been silent since last June, stopped ringing due to an electrical malfunction in Seeger Chapel that damaged multiple electrical components throughout the building. According to Chase McGlamery, Director of Student Success & Disability Services, the damage extended beyond just the bell system.
“The old projector had gone out but we were already working on the video wall,” McGlamery explained. “The bell system itself, installed in 2014 and last serviced in 2018, was a hybrid of digital and analog equipment that was outdated.”
Further complicating matters, the original manufacturer had been acquired by another company that no longer provided service or support for the unit.
“Carillon systems are a very specialized piece of equipment,” McGlamery explained.
After extensive research to find the most cost-effective and appropriate replacement, officials selected Bells of America, based in Oklahoma City, to create a custom-built system. While the existing six speakers were undamaged and remain in place, the control system is entirely new. The replacement costs are being covered by funds specifically designated for maintenance, upkeep, and improvements.
The long-awaited system arrived on Wednesday, Feb. 26, and was quickly assembled and tested.
“Within an hour, it was assembled and first tested around 1 p.m.,” McGlamery said.
The successful test prompted several very enthusiastic text messages to McGlamery, one that read: “Praise the lord the bells are back.”
The new system comes with a 5-year warranty and offers enhanced capabilities. McGlamery hinted at expanded automation features in the future for holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Holy Week, and Advent, noting that “as we get closer to some of those holidays, students may start to notice different songs being in the rotation”
picture 1 by Miriam Zeise, picture 2 by Cheyenne Trujillo
About The Author
Gabrielle Jones is a sophomore from Elizabethton. She is a Multimedia Journalism major and a Filmmaking minor. She is the Social Media Manager for Stampede. She enjoys horror media, reading, and film.