The Carillon

The Swoope Carillon in Barker Tower is one of 163 traditional carillons in the United States. A gift of Mr. Henry B. Swoope, the original 43 bronze bells were cast in 1926 by the English firm of Gillett and Johnston of Croydon. The bells contain bits of historic metal collected worldwide by alumni and friends of the school, including copper coins, metal from Old Ironsides, pieces of artillery shells gathered from the fields of France in World War I, a shaving from the Liberty Bell, and bits from Admiral Nelson's flagship at Trafalgar, HMS Victory.

In 1996, the addition of six new upper bells put the carillon into concert pitch. The carillon then contained 49 bells ranging in size from 10 pounds to more than three-and-a-half tons, which ranks it 43rd in weight of the largest (lowest pitched) bell.

Almost as famous as the carillon itself was Bryan Barker, the man who played it for more than five decades. In addition to playing the bells at Mercersburg, Bryan was also the faculty adviser to The Mercersburg News for 32 years and dean of the (now defunct) ’88 Dormitory. Generations of alumni fondly remember Bryan serenading them to sleep on Saturday nights. The carillon's tower was named in his honor in 1978.

In 2008, a 50th bell was added to the Swoope Carillon, a low C#, dedicated to James W. Smith, Bryan Barker’s successor.  With the whole school assembled to watch, the 50th bell was lifted into place May 2, 2008, and it was first played by Jim Smith a few days later, after the mechanics had been put in place. Mr. Smith served as carillonneur from 1981 until his death in the summer 2009.

Today, carillonneur James A. Brinson plays the bells to summon the school for community gathering and other school meetings, ring in the holidays, and entertain us with performances throughout the year. In addition, visiting carillonneurs give concerts virtually every Sunday afternoon.

For further information regarding featured carillonneurs, please contact Jim Brinson at 717-328-6334, or check the calendar for a complete schedule of carillon performances.