THE CATHEDRAL BELLS OF BATHURST

A TOWER IS BORN

History was made in Bathurst on Friday, 26^th June when the newly refurbished Cathedral Bells rang out over the City for the first time. The occasion recognised the consecration and installation of the new Roman Catholic Bishop of Bathurst, The Most Reverend Michael McKenna.

A team of bellringers from Sydney came to Bathurst for the occasion, which included Ms June Catchpoole the first Benefactor of the new tower and Mr Ron Shepherd who has been supervising the installation of the bells.

With most of the scaffolding removed from the outside of the tower it is now possible to appreciate its crisp lines and imposing shape. It is indeed a proud achievement for the Bathurst community, being funded principally by the local community (with support from the Federal and State governments and the Bathurst Regional Council). It was designed by a Bathurst architect and engineers, built by a local building company and includes the skilled contribution of many Bathurst trades-people.

Just before 3 pm, those attending the Mayor’s reception for Bishop McKenna walked across the road from the Civic Centre to Kings Parade, (opposite All Saints’ Anglican Cathedral), to join around one thousand members of the Bathurst community who had come to witness this special event. Among them were the NSW State Member for Bathurst, Mr Gerard Martin MP, Mayor Paul Toole, Councillors and staff of the Bathurst Regional Council, Bell and Tower Benefactors, architect Mr Henry Bialowas, principals of Tablelands Builders Messrs Robert Barlow and Steve Ralph, Mr Maurice McNeil chair of the Bells Fundraising Committee, Mr Chris Crowley the Cathedral's Honorary Clerk of Works and other members of the Bells Executive.

At the appointed time the crowed hushed in anticipation, waiting for the bells to commence ringing. The glass walls of the tower allowed people to see the ringers commence their work as the three new Taylor’s bells and five historic Warner bells turned over for the first time in well over one hundred years. Thus they rang out over the city in a spirit of proclamation and welcome. After eight minutes, as the ringers paused, the crowd spontaneously broke into cheering and applause to show their appreciation.

On the 30th June the former tenor bell, now used as the tolling bell, was lifted into its place at the top of the tower. It is named 'Sloman' after Mr Thomas Sloman, a Bathurst businessman of the mid nineteenth century who organised the purchase of the original eight bells from Warner and Sons of London, England.

 

There is still much to do to complete the tower and its surrounds and the Bells Committee is continuing its fundraising to pay for this wonderful new icon of Bathurst. We encourage people to give generously.

The Official Opening and Dedication of the Tower will occur at 11 am on Saturday, 31^st October, 2009. The Dean of Bathurst, The Very Reverend Andrew Sempell, extends an invitation to all to attend this significant occasion.