Belfry


	I've been curious, since I came to the United Congregational Church of Tolland almost 30 years ago, as to what the church bell, steeple, and belfry are like. I knew the structure was very old, and that the bell has a history; I always was curios to see it. It's a bit of a climb and a challenge for some, but since I've presented a virtual tour of our church, this is your chance to see my adventure in pictures. Let's begin!
We start in back of the church balcony where there are "attic stairs" that fold down (above). The pull cord is rather high and the stair seems longer (and shakier) than most. I was on my own and couldn't find a light at first in the darkness. I found it soon enough, though, and found a very old form of construction. These posts and beams (right) are hand-hewn, notched, and held together with wooden pegs. No nails or bolts! Marshall Atwater commented that the bell was included in the steeple that was added to the church in 1792. But the steeple was not brought over to the new church, just the bell in 1838. The rafters were built in 1838.
	There is a square opening with a lid keeping the weather out. I unlatched and pushed it aside and crawled through. (It's a good thing I'm trim and fit!) Finally, the bronze bell. It is big and weighs over 1000 pounds. Because the bell is tarnished, slowing the rate of oxidation, the inscriptions can't be easily read. Our church history documents tell us, however, that the north side of the bell is inscribed: Let Him that Heareth, Come The south side of the bell has the following: 1010 lbs. Clinton M Mcneely Company, Troy, New York Added to the north side later: Congregation Ecclesiastical Society of Tolland, Conn. This bell was originally cast in 1792, Recast same year—again 1826—refounded in its present form in the year 1880
The large clapper or tongue makes a bigger sound for the final call to worship.

	This large "wheel" acts as a lever to get the half-ton bell moving. I couldn't get down next to it easily, but its diameter appears to be in excess of six feet. The heavier rope downstairs is attached to it.
The lighter rope (right) is attached to the hammer (below) which swings against the stationary bell for the first call to worship, 10 minutes before the service.
	The louvers are screened to keep the birds and some other wildlife out of the belfry, but you can still get somewhat of a view of the Green and surrounding scenery. Now, when you pass through our narthex, you have to marvel at the old timber construction and history of this part of our church.

United Congregational Church of Tolland

Belfry and Bell

United Congregational Church
of Tolland