Marking the Hours

The chimes in the steeple of Wesley Chapel have been a huge part of the college experience at West Virginia Wesleyan College.

The October 24, 1973 issue of the Pharos includes a story written by Phil Loftis, For Whom the Bells Toll. In this article we learn that the original carillon of Schulmerich Chimes was given to the college by the Shannon family, and placed in Atkinson Chapel in 1961. When Wesley Chapel was built, the bells were transferred to the steeple, and an additional lower octave was added as a gift from the Phillips family. 

The music could be played automatically using similar technology to the old player piano rolls, or it could be played manually. Dr. Robert Shafer was the person to play them manually, and he did so at least once each week.

Westminster Chimes

At the top of each hour, the Westminster Chimes ring out. Many generations of students have run to class trying to beat that last chime!

The tune that is played is generally known as the Westminster Quarters. It originally was called the Cambridge Quarters, as it was composed for St. Mary the Great church in the center of that university in 1793. When the great clock (known as Big Ben) was installed in London in 1859, it became more widely known as the Westminster Quarters. Ringing small sections on the quarter hour, the full tune rings only at the top of each hour.

There are words!

The official words to this song are:

All through this hour

Lord be my guide

And by Thy power

No foot shall slide

Other variations, such as the one sung at the end of meetings of the Brownies in the U.K. and Canada, are similar.

Oh Lord our God

Thy children call

Grant us thy peace

And bless us all

Updated Variations

The bells were silent for a few years as the original equipment aged before a generous gift from former Board of Trustees members William, ’58, Hon. ’05 and Mara Linabarger Watson ’58 made it possible for the beautiful hourly chimes and the sounds of “Home Among the Hills” return to West Virginia Wesleyan College’s campus during the 2015 spring semester.

Thanks to the Watsons, the chimes have been upgraded to a digital version that will last for many generations more.

Today, the chimes are programmed and played by Neil Roth and Brett Miller. There is a different chime for Saturday just to keep things interesting.

When bad weather comes during times like Founders Day or Commencement, it is not unusual to hear them chiming Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head or Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

During the solar eclipse on August 21, 2017, the campus held a watch party. The chimes added to the festive atmosphere that day playing such things as I’m Being Followed by a Moon Shadow and Here Comes the Sun.

 

Finals 

As the Fall 2019 semester came to a close this week, and students were preparing for their final exams, I am almost sure that I heard a student singing:

It’s finals time

Why did I wait

To get to work

Now it’s too late

I am hoping that things will go well for that student, and that one day he may find himself graduating with his class.

The Bells of the Past, Present, and Future

The long tradition of hearing a reminder at the top of the hour that time is marching on reminds me of the song by Natalie Sleeth, Hymn of Promise. A few years ago I caught this beautiful song ringing out over the campus after commencement.

There are a lot of wonderful back stories to the chimes at WVWC. Another week I will focus on the generous people behind the bells that we so closely connect with the college experience there. But, for now…

Grades to turn in

What did they earn?

Finals are done

What did they learn?