St Christopher's Church
Round Green, Luton
The Church Bell
In the Spring 1937 edition of the Parish Magazine it was announced that the Coronation of King George VI would be marked by a memorial in the form of three bells for the new Church.
Unfortunately insufficient money was raised and so only one bell was hung. This was dedicated and rung on May 9th 1937 by Councillor Hewson, while Mr. Gilbert of Stopsley unveiled the memorial tablet positioned between the inner double doors as you enter the church.
The
Bass Bell was
given to commemorate
the Coronation of
KING GEORGE VI
MAY 12TH 1937
Excerpts from the Parish Magazine
March 1937
Coronation Memorial
This is to take the form of thee bells for the Church. How we do need them! Quite small, but of a specially nice tone. The cost including fixing should be about £50. We hope to ring them for the first time on May 12th, and record the facts on a brass plate in the porch.
April 1937
The Coronation Bells Fund did not appeal quite as we hoped. £25 has come in so far, and of course there will be some more. But it will take £80 to get all three bells. The sub-committee have asked the Foundry to hold up the order for the two lighter bells until we are sure we can pay for them. One really good bell is essential; the other two can wait, if necessary.
May 1937
On Coronation Day, there will be one united Eucharist at St. Christopher’s at 8 a.m., when we a make our Communion with our King and Queen: and then the Town Service on the Football Ground at 10 a.m.; and the Dedication of our Coronation Bells at 6 p.m. Councillor Hewson has accepted our invitation to ring one of them, and Mr Gilbert, of Stopsley, will unveil the Memorial Tablet.
June 1937 The Coronation Bell
It was well and truly rung by Councillor Hewson on Whit Sunday evening,
and has a quiet and pleasing note. Mr Gilbert, of Stopsley, unveiled the
Oak Tablet, which connects it with the Coronation. Several people gave
generously, including Dr. Burgin, M.P. and Mr Hewson, and the final sum
reached was £35, which is not so bad, and the gain of having a really
good bell at last is immense. Thank all of you who helped.
Rubbing of the bell taken by Roger Kendrick (2005)
The
bell was made by Mears & Stainbank of Whitechapel London,
which later became the Whitechapel Bell Foundry Ltd.
© Luton St Christopher 2008
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