Metropolitan United Church

The tower where the carillon is located.Metropolitan's carillon, whose bells are located high in the tower facing Queen Street, is still played before each Sunday service and before our many special events, as it has been since April 2, 1922. On that date, Metropolitan's 50th anniversary was celebrated with the dedication of the first 23 bells in Metropolitan's carillon, marking the first installation of a tuned carillon anywhere in North America.

The original bells were donated by Chester Massey in memory of his wife Margaret. On each of these 23 bells is inscribed, "May the spirit of the Lord reach the heart of every one where the sound of these bells is heard." Twelve smaller bells were added in 1960 and another 19 bells were added in 1971, bringing the total to the current 54 bells.

The carillon is played from a pedal and key console housed in the tower in an insulated cabin just below the bells. The original key and pedal console from 1922 is preserved and is on display in the tower vestibule.

Tours of the carillon are usually conducted following worship services in the Christmas and Easter seasons, but can also be arranged by contacting our Carilonneur, Gerald Martindale.