Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-05
Famous Church BELLS.
Centuries Old Chimes of English Houses Of
Worship Have Few Counterparts in This
Country Many Local Belfries Empty.

other since the sixteenth century. One
version of the story is that the bells were
buried by the last Abbot of ESeshani.
Abbot Lichfield. In a subterranean pas
sage which formerly existed between tho
abbey and a house on the opposite bank
Of the river. while the other story has
ii that a peal of silver bells was buried
at the same period at Abbots Morton,
ham,
There are two legends in worcestcr-
The church bells OF Buckinghamshire
are noted, among those Of old England.
for their age and the clear music OF their
tones Their sound is borne over To n
smaller village, four miles distant. along
the waters OF the Ouse. their softened
tones awakening memories of peaceful
days and restful nights. The heliringers
Of this district are notable, sturdy char
acters, and. as yet. little moved oy inc
hurry and the restless spirit Of the age.
On Christmas eve, and again on the last
night OF the year. they sup with the par
son and his wife In the old Elizabethan
rectory. All Of them are laborers. work
ing on the same farms where their
fathers and grandfathers worked before
them. Natures gentlemen these. OF SIM
pie and natural manners. they enjoy the
fare provided-roast beef plum pudding
and a modest amount of good home brew
ed ale. The church wardens and others
drop I'm and add to the enjoyment Ana
SO the time goes nlerrily TIL 11:So, wncn.
forming a procession, they march TO their
old Norman church, the rector taking
the lead up the narrow belfry stairs. Each
man takes his rope. Then the rector
prays for them and their families ana
their parish. Ancient prayers these. thas
years. even since King Henry SAT on
the throne After few minutes prayer
the bells ring out: the ringers pull frst,
with their practiced hands: the gentie-
men later are allowed to take rope.
-
Preaching at the rededication or fhs
bells OF East Arlington Church. the Eng
lish Bishop of Exeter spoke of the value
of bell ringing. which. he said. demand
ed self-control. patience. power to work
in harmony with each other and in ac-
cordance with the rules Of art Bell ring
ing In that diocese is so carried on as TO
be a real education. and plays Its part
in the spiritual life OF the parish and OF
the church.
The master ringer of Lincoln Cathe-
dral in England has attained his jubi-
lee as a ringer Yet he Is now only Sixty
seven years old. During the half century
he has climbed the belfry steps in ST.
equal to 5000 stairs. Ringing during
the episcopates of three bishops, MIR.
Stiles has rung on 100 occasions for the
reigning monarch. He has rung at tho
installation Of seven deans. five pre-
centors, five chancellors, four subdeans
end two archdeacons.
Henry Burstow of Horsham has been
one Of the regular bell ringers al Hor-
sham Parish Church in England for six
ty-flve years, and during that long period
has never once been absent from his post.
He is eighty-one years Of age. His MEM
DRY Is remarkably good. He has only to
hear a song once to learn both tune and
words.
At Islip Church, Northamptonshire. in
England, Miss Alice Horn and five MEM
bers OF the Central County Association
have just accomplished a peal OF minor
500 changes, which occupied nearly
three hours.
There is nothing like this IN America
There are chime players who have at
tanned some fame, but long service in
the belfry Is not one OF the claims 10
recognition even in New England towns.
where the bell is still tolled for the dead
as well as for the Sunday morning and
evening services.