New Carillon system at Wyoming United Methodist Church plays twice a day

WYOMING — Silence has surrounded the Wyoming United Methodist Church for nine years. That changed this past week.

The church was the source of music emanating from its steeple for many decades, but the music stopped in 2009 when the church’s outdated Carillon sound system was no longer operational.

A fundraising effort spearheaded by church members Wayne Harris and Emil Augustine was started when Audrey Harris, Wayne’s wife, prepared a letter of intent to raise money for the project. The fundraising campaign began in December 2017 and, after canvassing borough businesses, friends and members of the church, a new $6,500 Carillon system was purchased.

The manufacturer states the Six–SS digital Carillon provides all the ringing features that meet the needs of most churches. It features sounds of an English Cast Bronze Carillon, or Concert Chime and Harp Bells and does not require a keyboard.

“The Carillon system holds approximately over 700 songs,” Augustine said. “You can play patriotic songs or Easter songs or whatever you would like. You can program it to play at any time of the day through a timer.”

The new equipment did not arrive without an issue, though. Initially, there was a problem getting sound to the outdoor speakers but Carillon customer support was able to work out the issue.

The dedication of the system was held at 11:45 a.m. May 26 in time for the music to start at noon.

Pastor Harriet Santos held a short program on the steps of the church in anticipation of the system to play at noon. She thanked all involved in raising the money as well as donors who helped make music present in the borough once again.

According to Wayne Harris, the music could be heard as far away as Exeter. “It depends on which way the sound carries,” Harris said.

Wyoming resident and church member Fred Bohn was on hand for the dedication. “The reality is, God’s been good to everyone in this church and there’s a small group of people who truly appreciate what we’ve been given and if we can help the community remember God’s grace, all the better.”

For now, the Carillon will play tunes twice a day, once again bringing music back to the Borough of Wyoming.

Wyoming United Methodist Church Pastor Harriet Santos thanks those involved who helped raising money for the church’s Carillon sound system.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/web1_WUMC1.jpg.optimal.jpgWyoming United Methodist Church Pastor Harriet Santos thanks those involved who helped raising money for the church’s Carillon sound system. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

A few members of the Wyoming United Methodist Church hear music chime once again from the steeple of the church after a nine-year absence.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/web1_WUMC2.jpg.optimal.jpgA few members of the Wyoming United Methodist Church hear music chime once again from the steeple of the church after a nine-year absence. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

The steeple of the Wyoming United Methodist Church will no longer be silent as a new sound system was put into place after nine years.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/web1_WUMC3.jpg.optimal.jpgThe steeple of the Wyoming United Methodist Church will no longer be silent as a new sound system was put into place after nine years. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Emil Augustine, a member of the Wyoming United Methodist Church, shows the new Carillon sound system that is equipped with over 700 musical tunes from religious to patriotic. The tall brown cabinet houses the old Carillon system that expired nine years ago.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/web1_WUMC4.jpg.optimal.jpgEmil Augustine, a member of the Wyoming United Methodist Church, shows the new Carillon sound system that is equipped with over 700 musical tunes from religious to patriotic. The tall brown cabinet houses the old Carillon system that expired nine years ago. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Wyoming Mayor Joe Dominick, left, chats with Bob and Ellen Behlke, members of Wyoming United Methodist Church.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/web1_WUMC5.jpg.optimal.jpgWyoming Mayor Joe Dominick, left, chats with Bob and Ellen Behlke, members of Wyoming United Methodist Church. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch