One Hundred Years of Bells
For over a century, the bells of St. Mary Parish have been the joyful heartbeat of our community — marking the hours with the Angelus, calling the faithful to worship, and echoing through Menomonee Falls in moments of both celebration and sorrow.
In 1906, our first bell, “St. Mary,” was installed and blessed. Nearly 100 years ago, in December of 1925, two more bells — “St. Joseph” and “St. Peter” — were added to complete the trio we know and love today. Their harmonious voices have become deeply woven into the life of our parish. As we prepare to mark the 100th anniversary of their blessing, we find ourselves in a moment of pause.
A Necessary Silence
Out of an abundance of caution, the bells no longer ring for the Angelus. Concerns have been raised about the structural integrity of the flooring beneath the bell mechanism, and we are taking steps to ensure the safety of the building and everyone who enters it.
The silence feels unfamiliar — but it also offers us an opportunity to reflect.
For a hundred years, these bells have rung for us. They have been constant — rain or shine, in war and peace, in joy and in sorrow. And now, they need a moment of care.
A Tower in Need of T-L-C
The bell tower has suffered from time and weather. Water damage has caused wood to rot; the structural beams need reinforcement. To protect the bells and the building that holds them, work will include:
- Reinforcing wood beams with steel supports
- Sealing exposed wood
- Retuck-pointing the interior and exterior masonry
- Painting and restoring louvers and flashings
- Addressing drainage to prevent future damage
The total cost for these essential repairs is estimated at $50,000. This is more than upkeep — it's stewardship of something sacred.
An Invitation to Be Part of the Legacy
As we mark a century of faithful ringing, we are invited to care for what we’ve inherited — so that the next generation can hear what we have heard, and feel what we have felt, when the bells ring out over St. Mary. If you are able to support this restoration, we welcome your gift with gratitude. Donations may be made online, by mail, or dropped off at the parish office (please label contributions “Bell Restoration Fund”).
Thank you for being part of the effort to restore the bells that have called us together for 100 years.
