In 1925 Gillett & Johnston supplied the 72 bell Carillon to Riverside Drive Church in New York. This was the largest carillon that Gillett’s made, with the Bourdon bell alone weighing in at 18.25 tons. The Carillon was a gift to the Church by the late John D Rockefeller Jr. in memory of his mother.
Gillett’s were again asked to work for the church in 1930 to enlarge the carillon to become the first to surpass five musical octaves.
In 1972 the then Managing Director Mr Cyril Coombes visited Riverside Drive to inspect and quote for the overhaul and restoration of the installation. Sadly Cyril passed away whilst this work was being completed .
So when Cyril’s son the now managing Director Mr Stephen Coombes and his wife Jennifer decided to go on Holiday to New York they could not pass up an opportunity to visit the Church and the Carillon which had many memories attached.
Mr & Mrs Coombes were extended a warm welcome by Ms Davis the Church representative who showed them around the magnificent church and Carillon which is usually closed to the public. The tower was light and airy and rises 392 feet above the street and to reach the carillon involved a great many steps however the views of New York were magnificent so well worth the effort. Looking down on the installation gave you an idea of the huge scale of the work and teh capability of the craftsmen involved in originally hanging the 72 bells. For more information please leave a comment below or, if preferred, use the contact form.