Bells of St. Thomas

Ringing in the holidays with soothing sounds

During the Middle Ages, the carillon bells in Old World towns played a key role in daily life, signaling everything from meal times to civic emergencies. Centuries later, the bells in the carillon at St. Thomas’ Church, Whitemarsh are largely celebratory. But during this time of COVID-19, the melodic rhythms of the local bells have also been known to help soothe jangled nerves and temporarily calm the confusion of life interrupted.

Organizers of the annual summer carillon concerts at St. Thomas’ point to the heightened popularity of this year’s Tuesday night series. And these days, thanks to carillonneur Lisa Lonie, the seasonal hymns and carols emanating from the church’s signature sandstone bell tower – audible a half-mile in all directions – continue to cheer listeners.

“The church recognizes that during these times of uncertainty, bells communicate peace and resolve,” Lonie says. “The message of the bells is a constant.”

And a reminder that pandemic or not, the winter holidays are upon us.

“This time of year, the carillon bells are playing festive favorites every Sunday morning before and after worship – from 9:45 to 10 and, again, from 11 to 11:30 as well as on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) before and after the 4, 7 and 9 p.m. services,” Lonie says.

Those programs will include “well-known seasonal hymns and tunes as well as holiday classics from The Netherlands (‘Midden in de Winternacht’), France (the ‘Noels’ of Claude Balbastre and Poland (‘The Polish Shepherd Song’),” she adds. “So many of our classics have Anglican or Victorian origins – like ‘Wexford Carol,’ ‘The Holly and the Ivy’…’The Wassail Song’ – it’s fun for me as a musician to seek out and arrange pieces from other countries.

“And even though St. Thomas’ is an Episcopal parish, the carillon – as a civic instrument – also honors music from other religions and traditions this time of year…for example, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, St. Nicholas Day and the like. Music for these events is a little more challenging to find but, nevertheless, is part of the musical fabric of our society.”

In fact, the St. Thomas’ bells began doubling as holiday harbinger weeks ago.

“Back in the fall, people passing by would likely have heard holiday music coming from the carillon tower because I start to prep for the Advent and Christmas season early,” Lonie says. “It’s a little earbending when it’s nearly Halloween, and ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’ is drifting out into the grove…kind of like hearing Christmas music on the radio way before December. I feel like I hear a collective groan from the neighborhood.”

Not likely.

St. Thomas’ Catherine Colt Dickey Carillon was dedicated in 1974, and the music created by its 48 bronze bells has become a familiar element on the area soundscape. As visitors to its open-air summer concerts already know, the church’s serene grounds and outdoor labyrinth make the historic property ideal for solitary meandering and contemplation any time, especially now when COVID-19 has altered “normal” for the foreseeable future. A quiet stroll in the brisk chill of winter? Possibly, just what the doctor ordered, especially if Lonie is up in the carillon tower making music.

“The grounds surrounding the church are always open,” she says. “Listen from your parked car, the labyrinth…or seek out one of the many garden rooms to sit and listen to the bells while socially distancing.”

The Blue Bell woman is also resident carillonneur at Philadelphia’s Church of the Holy Trinity, whose 1882 carillon is the oldest in North America, as well as university carillonneur at Princeton University. An active member of the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America, she has also traveled extensively as a guest performer, both here and internationally.

St. Thomas’ Church, Whitemarsh is located at Bethlehem Pike and Camp Hill Road in Fort Washington. Additional information about the church, its carillon and labyrinth is available at www.stthomaswhitemarsh.org.