St. Andrew Church issued the following announcement on Nov. 15.

Before St Andrew Church was finished being built, three bells were blessed and installed in the bell tower. Photos of this have been located in an old Church directory. St. Andrew Catholic Church has three bells in the tower that were installed by Verdin Bell Company in 1961. The bell weights are 1,320 pounds (Bell 1), 640 pounds (Bell 2), and 365 pounds (Bell 3) respectively. The bells are named in honor of the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The big bell is so big that no foundry in the USA makes bells that big anymore! It would be wonderful to hear them ringing. In a time and age when many have forgotten about God, what a great way to remind the world by the very simple ringing of a bell. When bells are installed in a church, there is actually a prayer of exorcism that is used so that the sound of the bells may make demons flee. What a wonderful reminder also to those who are remaining home due to the virus, to hear the bells during the day to stop and pause for a few moments of prayer. So many have asked “what would it take to get the bells ringing again?” The short answer is about $50,000.

I have been in touch with Verdin Bell Company who did an examination of the bells and their components. Several issues would need to be addressed as well as the installation of new electric wires and a new control system. The tower has been inspected and is in sound condition (pardon the pun!). On the surface this is an amazing amount of money, but for a parish as generous as St Andrew, I know this will pose no problem! Together, as a parish family, I know that we can do this. I am looking to create a committee to help organize a campaign for the Bells and Tracy Yoder has volunteered to be the chairwoman. If you would like to help with being on this committee, please contact Tracy Yoder at 525-3263.

Original source can be found here.

Source: St. Andrew Church