This is a view from within the bell tower at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City. The bells play an important role in the life of this cathedral as well as within the surrounding community. Listening to them has become a form of worship for me and on Sundays, at certain times, they ring in a celebratory manner. Listening to the bells moves me and I have a great love for them. The cathedral does not usually allow tours of the bells or the towers themselves. In order to access the belfry, one must make a very steep climb up nearly 6 stories via a series of ladders, staircases, and passages.
There are four bells in all, each one cast in foundries from the Eastern United States. The two larger bells, pictured here, are original and date back to 1917. They are named Saint Joseph and Mary. Saint Joseph weighs 2650 lbs., rings in the pitch E, and is located in the foreground of this image. Mary weighs 1300 lbs., rings in the pitch A, and is located in the background of the image. The two smaller bells, Cecilia and Michael, were added in 1993 and ring in pitches B and C respectively.
The ringing of the bells involves a complex system of hammers, clappers, and mechanics all of which are controlled from a computer inside the cathedral. Parts of this ringing mechanism are shown within this photograph. Each bell is dedicated to certain people who have played an important role within the diocese, and includes individual inscriptions which praise god.
The Madeleine is an important part of Utah’s history. It is a landmark worth visiting. The building itself is an excellent, local example of Gothic Revival architecture; complete with a beautiful rose window and religious murals. Time your visit so that you are outside on the quarters of the hour to witness these bells ringing. The bells are located in the west tower. I would like to express my appreciation to the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City and particularly the Reverend Martin Diaz for allowing me to photograph them.
Joseph and Mary
Digital photograph, 2020
