St. Matthew Episcopal Church - Louisville, KY
St. Matthew Episcopal Church - Louisville, KY
Synopsis
- Design and fabrication of a custom 35-foot bell tower structure
- Installation of three new bronze bells with an automation system
- Collaboration with the church’s architect for architectural integration
- Hot-dip galvanized and powder-coated steel construction
- Specialized large-scale metal treatment process
Project Overview
St. Matthew Episcopal Church, located in Louisville, Kentucky, contracted Chime Master to design, fabricate, and install a complete bell tower and carillon system for their distinctive sanctuary. The church features unique architectural elements, including a cross-shaped design with a striking lead-coated copper roof and thoughtful interior-exterior visual integration.
The church's architect provided the design concept for the tower, incorporating design elements that complement the existing structure, including replicating the church's distinctive cross motif in the tower's crown. Chime Master was responsible for engineering, fabrication, and installation of the complete 35-foot tower structure and bell system.
Project Execution
Chime Master engineered and fabricated a custom 35-foot steel bell tower that integrates seamlessly with the church's architecture. The tower structure required specialized large-scale metal treatment to ensure long-term durability and aesthetic quality. Working with specialized contractors, the entire tower structure was hot-dip galvanized at one of the few facilities in the United States capable of processing a structure of this size—requiring submersion in molten zinc at 850 degrees Fahrenheit.
Following galvanization, the tower was powder-coated at a specialized facility in Ohio equipped with industrial ovens capable of heating the entire structure to 300 degrees for proper coating application. This dual-treatment process provides exceptional corrosion resistance and a durable, attractive finish that will protect the tower for decades.
We installed three new bronze bells complete with an automated ringing system. The automation system brings the beauty of church bells to the Louisville community.
The tower's placement was carefully coordinated with the church's existing architecture. When viewed from inside the sanctuary, the tower is perfectly framed by the window that faces it, demonstrating the thoughtful integration between the new installation and the existing structure. The cross element crowning the tower echoes the design of the church's own cross, creating visual harmony between the structures.
Results
The completed bell tower installation represents a successful collaboration between architectural vision and technical engineering. The specialized fabrication and coating processes ensure the tower will maintain its structural integrity and appearance for generations while providing the church with reliable, beautiful bell music.
For St. Matthew Episcopal Church, the new bell tower serves as both a functional instrument and an architectural enhancement to their distinctive sanctuary. The tower's careful integration with the existing building design, combined with the automated bell system, allows the church to share their musical ministry with the surrounding community for years to come.
The project showcases Chime Master's capabilities in complex fabrication projects, from engineering custom structures to coordinating specialized industrial processes and integrating modern automation systems with traditional bell ringing.
Contact Us Today!
Contact Chime Master today or call 800-344-7464 to discuss your bronze bell needs, including new installation, restoration, or customization. We also maintain an inventory of used bronze bell available for purchase.
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