Founded 1909
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APPENDIX G
Architectural Notes on Church Renovation (con’t)
Historic Bell Tower
The 92-year old brass bell in the eastern tower has been replaced by a “Singing Tower” with an all-digital, solid state, electronic “Millennium Carillon” system. Having served its purpose since 1908, the historic bell now resides in a permanent place as a quiet but important symbol of the church’s heritage. It now hangs at the church front in a small brick pagoda with a supporting arch and roofed with clay tile to match the church proper. (The bell is 30” high and 38” in diameter.)
Note by writer: The inscription on the bell is as follows: “Donated by members and friends of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, El Campo, Texas June 22, 1908.”
“Dei providential Mundus administratur”
(Blessings of this world are provided by God)
In his history Msgr. Brunner notes that the bell’s brand name is “Buckeye.”
The bell was blessed by Rev. Marcus A. Valenta, pastor, on the Feast of Saint Bartholomew Apostle, 24 August 1948, as directed by Most Rev. Robert E. Lucey, Archbishop of San Antonio.*
*Letter from Rev. Marcus A. Valenta to Archbishop Robert E. Lucey, 24 August 1948