Two New Bells Cast for the McGaffin Carillon

Royal Eijsbouts staff pour molten bronze into the bell mold.

Two new bells were cast for The McGaffin Carillon on 12 September by Royal Eijsbouts in Asten, The Netherlands, the firm who cast the 47 current bells in 1968. These gifts to future generations of University Circle visitors will join the carillon during the eventual restoration and renovation of the instrument

The largest of the two bells will add a low Bb to the carillon, will be 58.3 inches in diameter, and weigh 4,290 pounds. It is a gift of Alexander McGaffin’s grandchildren in memory of their mother, Dr. McGaffin’s daughter. The second bell is a gift from Denise Horstman, founding president of The Friends of the McGaffin Carillon, and her husband, Rod Keen in memory of their parents. It will be 43.5 inches in diameter and weigh 1,672 pounds. It adds a low Eb to the carillon. The two bells will increase the weight of the carillon by 40%. Our carillonneurs are excited to eventually have these notes added to the instrument where it will expand the repertoire we can play.