Church Bells Restoration Project

The unique church bells of Christ Church, Lye, Stourbridge. One of the lightest peals in the UK and the only ones cast in Belgium.

History of the Bells

Mr. Owen Freeman a public spirited gentleman who served on the Burial Board, was on the the Board of Orchard Lane school and a Committee member of Lye Institute. He was manager of George King-Harrison's brick works in Dudley Road which became the site of Folkes Forge and now Folkes Trading Estate.

He was responsible for the original installation of the Bells which were manufactured by and purchased from Severin Van Aerschodt of Leuven Belgium

The eight bells are amongst the lightest in the world as far as Church or Tower Bells are concerned, therefore of great historical value and should be cherished and preserved.

The largest Bell weighs 3.5cwt (180Kgs), the smallest ways 0.75cwt (35Kgs). Each of the bells is named after a Christian virtue.

Faith, Hope, Patience, Love, Wisdom, Truth, Joy and Peace.

Why do we need the Bells

Change ringing in the present form is an ancient art which has been carried out for about 400 hears but bells have called the faithful to worship for many years before that.

Bells aid us in our worship of God. They call us to services. They peal joyfully on wedding days and on the great feast days of the Church.

They toll mournfully as the departed receive the Church's last blessing.

The sweet voices of the Bells direct our hearts toward God and draw us to Church to experience the presence of Christ, to listen to the word of God and to offer our prayers.

What needs to be done

The bells have to be dismantled and transported to the bellhangers. Thet then need work done to their crowns and clappers. New headstocks have to be made and fitted. New bearings fitted to headstocks and heavy steel bedplates made. New light wheels will be manufactured from English Oak and Ash. New Ash stays and clappers fitted.

They would then possibly be cleaned and tuned to further improve their tone.

The bells would then be transported back to the Church and with the help of volunteers hoisted into the tower and hung on new bedplates.

This work will cost in the region of 40,000 gbp

How you may help

There are different ways that you can help the Restoration Appeal. If you have any ideas for helping us to raise funds then please contact the Church Office.

Donation Forms pdf MS Word ASCII Text

Restoration Committee Chairman Mr. Robert Field 01384 - 894657

Church Office 01384 - 894948