Memphis Historic Bell Tower Set to Shine Brightly Again After Decades

Memphis to Welcome Back a Radiant Landmark!

This week in the heart of Memphis, a cherished landmark is about to make a dazzling comeback! Yes, you guessed it—it’s the historic bell tower at Idlewild Presbyterian Church. After years of darkness, this iconic structure will be illuminated for the first time in decades, combining ancient Christian traditions with the magic of modern electroluminescent technology. Sounds pretty exciting, doesn’t it?

A Beacon of Hope and Beauty

The driving force behind this bright revival is none other than the Rev. David Powers, the pastor at Idlewild. He believes that “Memphis needs to shine a light on what is beautiful within the city.” His vision? Transform the church into a “beacon of light in Midtown Memphis.” After all, what could be more uplifting than a glowing tower pointing skyward, filled with hope?

But wait, it gets better! Peggy McClure, who has an intimate relationship with the bell tower, feels just as strongly about this project. After all, she spends hours inside, playing and programming the tower’s massive bell carillon. She stated, “A church tower pointing toward the heavens is a message that continues to emphasize spiritual praise.” And let’s not forget about the aesthetics! “For those who don’t care about faith, it’s just a beautiful sight,” she added.

Going from Dull to Dazzling

Originally completed in 1928, the bell tower first shone bright in 1952, with drama-filled spotlight beams accentuating its Gothic architecture. As the years rolled by, however, the lights faded, much like the memories of that glorious shine. According to Idlewild member Jim Gilliland, “Budgets got tight, and the bell tower went dark.” But that didn’t sit well with members, who couldn’t help dreaming of the golden days when their church glimmered against the night sky.

Community Efforts Take Flight

A year ago, Gilliland, along with other church members, kicked off a grassroots effort to restore that once radiant glow. Remember, Idlewild is not just a beautiful church; it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places! “It’s an excellent example of a Gothic Revival church,” declared the National Park Service. So, with such accolades, why not shine a spotlight on this historical gem?

In came Memphis-based Perkins-Everitt Lighting & Controls to tackle the project. Known for illuminating many iconic locations like the Liberty Bowl and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the team collaborated with light manufacturer Lumenpulse from Quebec to unveil a series of eight advanced LED fixtures. Picture this: Four fixtures perched on the rooftops and four mounted on the tower, creating an inviting allure.

The Magic of Technology

Will Childress, Perkins-Everitt’s vice president of lighting controls, explained the intricate planning that went into creating the right lighting. With the help of a 3D rendering of the church, they selected “different beam angles” and “different intensity outputs.” This meticulous approach will add depth and dimension to the tower, showcasing stunning features like the 10-foot-tall carved stone figures of the evangelists and the intricate tracery that surrounds the bells—now, that’s breathtaking!

Bells to Play a Cosmic Tune

Speaking of the bells, they’ve got quite the personality! The carillon features 48 bells that vary in size, from a modest 29 pounds to a massive 2½ tons. These bells don’t just sit there looking pretty; they play live tunes and even join in for special occasions! Can you picture how lively it must be when the bells ring out the University of Memphis fight song or pay homage to Elvis on the anniversary of his passing? But not everyone is a fan; once, a neighbor complained to McClure, “I’m trying to listen to Judge Judy!”

The Grand Re-lighting Ceremony

So, mark your calendars! The exciting bell tower re-lighting ceremony is set to take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4. This festive occasion will begin with a delightful dinner at the church’s Montgomery Hall at 5:15 p.m. And guess what? Both the dinner and the ceremony are free and open to everyone! What better way to unite the community than by celebrating a beloved Memphis landmark?

In summary, this week, the Idlewild Presbyterian Church will not only illuminate its bell tower but also spotlight the spirit of Memphis in a way we haven’t seen in years. Let’s unite and embrace the beauty that surrounds us—because Memphis truly deserves to shine!