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The magnificent 48-bell carillon in the church’s tower is played daily and for special events by a team of volunteer carillonneurs.
 What is carillon?
A carillon is a set of 23 or more cast bronze bells tuned similarly, arranged in chromatic series, and played from a keyboard permitting control of expression through variation of touch. Our bells are located in the tower of the church.
How many bells are at HPUMC?
We have 48 bells, the largest weighing slightly over 5100 pounds, and the smallest weighing approximately 26 pounds.
Who made our bells?
The Paccard Bell Foundry in Annecy, France made our bells. They were installed in 1984 and first heard in an evening service on December 16,1984.
How does carillon work?
Only the clappers move. The bells are bolted rigidly to steel or wooden bases. Once struck, a bell rings until its sound dies away naturally.
How is the carillon played?
The performer (carillonneur) plays with closed hands on baton-like keys and with both feet on the pedal keyboard. The clappers are connected through a series of direct mechanical linkages to the keyboard. Carillonneurs and would-be carillonneurs at HPUMC are fortunate that the Porter Carillon installation includes in addition to the performance consold (linked directly to the bells - which broadcast the music to the immediate community) a practice console that simulates the sounds of the bells, sounds not heard beyond the practice room.
Where do you listen?
The Carillon is best heard from outside the Sanctuary on the South or East side or in the Margaret Jonsson Garden. It is played regularly on Sundays following the 9:30 and 11:00 worship service, midday during the week, and often around 5:00 pm in the afternoon. The Carillon is usually pealed (not played) at weddings and after funerals; however, arrangements can be made to have musical selections played on the Carillon on these occasions.
Are carillons expensive?
Known as "the King's instrument", the carillon includes bells (usually in a tower), a performance console, and sometimes a practice console as well. Costs vary according to the number of bells and other appurtenances chosen so that each carillon installation is unique. A considerable initial investment is required, and as with any fine musical instrument, proper maintenance as well as occasional repair is necessary. The Porter Memorial Carillon was a gift to the church by two longtime HPUMC members, Alicia Porter Washam and Rufus (Buddy) Porter. It was dedicated “to the glory of God” and given to honor the memory of their parents. The Porter Memorial Carillon is the only carillon in the North Texas area that meets the requirements for a concert carillon: a minimum of 48 bells, played mechanically by striking batons.
Who plays the Carillon?
Our Carillon is played by dedicated volunteers and occasionally by artists from other parts of the world. Lorn Howard, Gretchen Ryan, Mary Dibble, John Acker, and Carmen McMillan are current carillon volunteers. If you are interested in playing, you may contact Sandi Dillon at 214-523-2250.
Gretchen Ryan is one of several volunteer carillonneurs at Highland Park United Methodist Church and also plays for the December Carol service at St. Mark’s School for Boys. She has been a member of the GCNA since 1995. Gretchen has a B.M. from the University of North Texas (Denton) and an M.A. from West Texas State (Canyon). She has taught in elementary schools in Texas, Florida, New Jersey, Maryland, Oklahoma and Venezuela. She was on the staff for two summers (1954-1955) at the Interlochen Music Camp in Michigan. She was a volunteer pianist for the American churches in London, England and Stavanger, Norway. Gretchen takes carillon lessons from George Gregory in San Antonio.
Wedding Music for Carillon
Traditionally, bells have been used to announce significant events in the life of the community. HPUMC is fortunate to have a cast bell carillon of forty-eight bells in the tower located to the left of the church entrance. At the end of a wedding service, a peal of three to five randomly swinging bells is activated by the organist at the organ console. However, the carillon can also be played manually from a keyboard located in the belfry. Our carillonneurs are available to play from a large repertoire of music ranging from pieces composed specifically for the instrument, to arrangements of hymns and familiar wedding music.
The carillon can add a heightened sense of occasion to the wedding, as it can be heard for several blocks as guests arrive at the church. Twenty to thirty minutes of music prior to the service is recommended. Other music may be planned for indoors, as the carillon cannot be heard in the sanctuary or chapel. If desired, additional carillon music can be played following the service and the peal.
For more information, contact Chris Brunt at 214-523-2254.
Wedding Music for Carillon:
- Andante (Chorus of the Happy Spirits) von Gluck/Barnes
- Andante from Organ Concerto I Handel
- Andante from Sonata II Bach
- Aria Handel/Philbrook
- Aria & Menuetto from Suite VIII Handel
- Arioso Bach/Martindale
- Ave Maria Schubert/deTurk
- Bist du Bei Mir Bach/Gerken
- Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus arr. by deTurk
- Concerto Marcello
- Concerto per Sr. Torelli Walther
- Fairest Lord Jesus arr. by Buchanan
- Two Fanfares Warner
- Fireworks Suite Handel
- The Gift of Love arr. by Webb
- How Very Special
- Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee (Ode To Joy) Beethoven/Buchanan
- Largo Handel/Buchanan
- Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring Bach/Gerken
- Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring Bach/Price
- Jubilate Deo Evans
- Londonderry Air Folksong/arr. Warner
- Nun Danket (Now Thank We All Our God) Cruger/Bach/Schroeder/Harvey
- O Perfect Love Barnby/arr. Ryan;Slater
- Passacaille from Suite VII Handel
- Prelude II van den Gheyn
- Prelude IV van den Gheyn
- Prelude VI van den Gheyn
- Prelude from Suite I Bach/Gerken
- Sheep May Safely Graze Bach/Rusterholz
- Silhouette Dvorak
- Sonata Haydn
- Sonata Scarlatti
- Sonata II Zipoli
- Suite No. 6 for unaccompanied cello Bach/Knox
- Tempo di Borea from Partita I Bach
- To a Wild Rose MacDowell/Myhre
- Toccata Jacinto
- Traumerei Schumann/Gerken
- Trumpet Tune Purcell/Gerken
- Water Music Handel
- Where E’er You Walk Handel/Rusterholz
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