Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-05-13

Prof. ]. NJ Mellon. of Baltimore, who
arrived in the city yesterday 10 put the
finishing touches on the chime of bells in
the Vance Memorial church at Altenheim,
last night told a Register man Of one Of
his experiences that sounds like Dickens
creation.
Some years ago. at Christmas-tide, he
was called to Cornwall, Ontario, to per-
form upon a new chime of bells that had
just been put into the Episcopal church in
that town. He arrived there the day be-
fore Christmas, and performed some Of
his finest selections. There had never been
anything Of the kind heard in the vicinity,
and as Prof. Mellon is an accomplished
artist on the bells, the playing created a
great sensation.
SO far. the story is conventional enough,
but the remarkable part is to come Prof.
Mellon retired az an early hour that night
to rest from the fatigue OF his journey, but,
for some reason, was unable TO sleep.
What was his amazement to hear. a few
moments after midnight, beautiful mel
cdy ringing from the chimes IN the church
tower. He had securely locked the door
of the room containing the levers that
rang the bell. and the church door as
well. on leaving in the evening. Hurried
ly dressing himself, he FASTENED from the
hotel The chimes had ceased, and he was
accosted by one Of the guests Of the es-
adjustment as he started for the church,
who thanked him for the beautiful music
that had pealed from the tower a short
time before. Prof. Mellon had no time 10
answer him. but, in n state of ever-in-
croasing bewilderment. mingled with a
feeling of awe. made the best of his way
over the snowy pavements TO the church.
While he hurried along the bells rang out
the grand old "Adestes Fideles" on the
still night air, and then followed some
excellent cadences that sounded super
natural in their glorious rhythm. The
professor is not supers,itious by nature.
but he says he was thrilled TO the soul.
Who could this wonderful performer be?
There was no one in that part of the
Dominion who knew the first rudiments OF
bell-ringing, and he had not only locked
the doors but had disconnected the ropes
leading to the bells from their respective
levers. When he reached the church the
unearthly Ginning had again come to an
end The rectory was just opposite, and
he was surprised to hear his name called
by the rector. who. clad in heavy fur coat.
was pacing UP and down the front porch.
This is a pleasant surprise, professor"
he said. warmly 81 had no idea you were
going TO ring the chimes tonight"
When the professor explained the situa
ton. he was equally astounded.
WHO can It be?" he exclaimed.
God only knows answered the pro-
fesso-. Maybe he's sent some of his an
gels to ring in the Savior's birthday"
Together the two men FASTENED across
the street and into the church, the bells
meanwhile beginning n more beautiful har-
mony than before Trembling with excite
ment and awe-struck by the heavenly
sounds coming from the tower above them.
they CROPPED their way through the dark
audience room. With considerable difficult
" the professor inserted the key into the
loci, of the door leading to the lever room.
The playing instantly ceased and the star
tied eyes Of Prof. Mellon saw dark figure
enveloped in faintly-glowing haze, disap-
pear through the floor
Feeling that the rector was near TO ex-
orcise any evil spirit, the professor stout
" advanced and leaning over a trap door
which he had before overlooked. he called
down into the cellar to know who was
there. \ bent misshapen figure, standing
in front of one of the furnace doors. turned
and approached him, holding a candle in
his hand.
"Who are you?" demanded Prof. Mellon
in a. voice that trembled a little in spite
CT himself.
please. zur." was the reply in a smiling
voice. I'm the jauitor EUR and I used TO
be a chimer in the old country-and zur,
7 couldn't help acomin up and ringin' tn
bells once more on this blessed Christmas
morn"
The rector was delighted to find a man
able to ring the chimes in such n mastery
manner, and the musical janitor had an
addition TO his services and his wages
from that time on
Alv TiUCIIT 7 UATm CuOUr