The carillon of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, a cherished landmark in Morristown, NJ, will mark a significant milestone as it celebrates its centenary on Saturday, April 13th, and Sunday, April 14th, 2024. The occasion will be commemorated with a series of concerts, tower tours, exhibitions, and more, and the whole community is invited to join in the festivities.
Since its dedication on Palm Sunday, April 13, 1924, St. Peter’s carillon has held a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. As one of relatively few churches in the United States with its own carillon, St. Peter’s has had the honor of hosting renowned carillonneurs from around the world over the past century. For the Carillon Centenary Celebration, guest players will join in the festivities on both days, culminating in a special concert on Sunday, April 14th, at 3PM featuring Lynnli Wang, Carillonneur from The Riverside Church in New York City.
Nestled within the tower directly below the bells, the playing cabin offers a unique position for the carillonneur. Visitors to the celebration can experience the magic firsthand by taking tower tours. Ascending 119 steps, guests will reach the bells and have the opportunity to admire the paintings by Ernest J. Parsons adorning the cabin walls. These inspiring scenes, depicting worship and landscapes from Parsons’ native England, provide a captivating backdrop to the touring experience.
“At St. Peter's we are the proud custodians of one of the finest carillons in the USA. All who play it comment on its remarkable quality, and we are thrilled to be marking one hundred years of its musical service. We look forward to welcoming visitors from far and wide to discover more about this instrument and the building that houses it,” states Dr. Anthony Hammond, Director of Music. The Carillon Centenary Celebration is open to the public on April 13th and April 14th, 2024.
Join us as St. Peter’s commemorates a century of music, history, and community around its carillon - a testament to the enduring spirit of Morristown.