First Evangelical Lutheran church bells to get tune-up

First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Green Bay will soon begin steps to preserve its signature item – a carillon that's one of a kind in the area.

The congregation at First Evangelical, 743 S. Monroe Ave., voted July 27 to approve $46,000 for repairs to the elaborate instrument, which include updates to the bells' motors and anchor bolts.

The carillon is one of only three recognized in the state by the World Carillon Federation - the others reside on the campuses of University of Wisconsin-Madison and Marquette University in Milwaukee - and one of just 165 in the United States.

The local carillon was commissioned in 1957 by church members Mr. and Mrs. Otto Kaap. The carillon has 47 bells, a number the Rev. Paul Schleis, the church pastor, calls "average" for the instrument.

According to The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America, a carillon consists of a series of at least 23 tuned bells.

The bells, which are encased at the top of the carillon tower at First Evangelical, are controlled a story below by a system of levers and pedals, arranged in the same order as keys on a piano or organ.

To be considered an official carillon, the set must have two full octaves. Concert carillons, like the one at First Evangelical, have a four-octave range.

Schleis' wife, Denise, plays the carillon before the morning church service most Sundays.

Because of its uncommon nature, the carillon attracts musicians from all over who want to perform, and the church has hosted concerts regularly.

"We've had everything from jazz and ragtime to Disney music," Paul Schleis said. "Professional carillonneurs are always contacting us."

The church hosted a carillon recital given by renowned carillonneur Gerald Martindale of Toronto last month.

The carillon has been popular for many decades in the church's Astor neighborhood as well, settling into a daily routine of chimes played at noon and 6 p.m.

When the bells were silenced for a time this year because of the repairs that needed to be made, Paul Schleis said neighbors wanted to know when they would resume.

"One woman told me she loved it because her kids knew it was time to come in for dinner at 6 o'clock," he said.

Schleis added that carillon performances have been coordinated with the Green Bay City Band in the summertime at nearby St. James Park the last several years.

To reach the carillon tower, a metal stepladder leads up to a trap door, revealing the set of historic bronze bells of various sizes that came from Holland. The smallest is about the size of a paint can. The largest, known as the bourdon, stretches 46 inches in diameter and weighs 2,200 pounds. The four largest are swinging bells, operated by motors.

Without the motors, it's easy to see why Quasimodo needed some muscle up in his own bell tower.

The role of resident Mr. Fix-It at First Evangelical is played by longtime congregation member Greg Keiler, who said he checks on the bells about once a week and makes necessary minor adjustments.

"I've fallen in love with it," Keiler said of the maintenance work he's done about 15 years. "It's become a hobby and a passion."

Bell repair isn't exactly a ubiquitous skill. Keiler learned the ins and outs from fellow church member Eldred Pringle. In addition to holding the title of oldest parishioner at age 99, Pringle served as the church's bell repairman for decades.

"He's the real master, innovative for his technique," Keiler said with a laugh. "I still call him with questions."

Included in the upcoming renovation project for the carillon are plans to replace the motors that control the swinging bells, which currently operate with 1950s technology.

Keiler said the new motors will be easier on the bells and cause less wear and tear. That stage is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The repairs will continue for the next five to 10 years.

Previous repairs were funded through a carillon trust fund left by the Kaaps, but the fund couldn't cover the current need.

At the same July 27 meeting, the congregation approved a separate measure to fund repairs to the church organ.

First Evangelical is the oldest Lutheran church in the city, founded by German Lutheran settlers in 1863.

"We felt now was the time to do some short-range and long-range repairs," Paul Schleis said. "We have been financially blessed to have some options to do this."

With the introduction of modern technology without losing the carillon's old-world charm, the project ensures years of enjoyment for the congregation, neighborhood and all for whom the bells toll.