Buies Creek, N.C-Twenty-four perfectly tuned bronze carillon bells rang out a medley of timeless hymns Sunday at the dedication of the Dinah E. Gore Bell Tower, part of Campbell University’s Anna Gardner and Robert B. Butler Chapel, Nov. 1. The tower is named in honor of Sunset Beach resident Dinah E. Gore.
“Music has always played a significant part in my life,” said Gore. “It is a part of my spiritual worship and my day to day routine. It is my hope that the music that emanates from this tower will flow through the hearts and minds of those who hear it and will call them to a moment of praise to their creator.”
The Dinah E. Gore Bell Tower stands at approximately 69 feet tall and holds 24 bronze carillon bells, ranging in weight from 40 to 1400 pounds. The largest four bells serve several purposes: they can make up a swinging celebration peal, provide a Call to Worship, sound the traditional Westminster Clock Chimes and strike the hours. The bells were each custom cast in the famous Royal Bellfoundry, Petit and Fritsen located in Aarle Rixtel, The Netherlands and sold through the Verdin Company.
The carillon is controlled from the Chapel Organ Console and a custom bell computer system to provide fully automatic pealing, clock chimes and melody, as well as keyboard operation.
A private prayer room is found at the base of the bell tower. The room provides a place for quiet reflection and meditation for members of the campus community.
A native of Duplin County, Dinah Gore is a real estate professional, mother, devoted Christian and Campbell friend. Gore and husband Edward M. Gore, a Campbell graduate, helped develop prized coastal properties, including Sunset Beach, Twin Lakes, Inc. Sea Trail Resort and Ocean Ridge Plantation in partnership with Ed Gore’s father, Mannon C. Gore. In addition to the chapel bell tower, the couple’s generosity and leadership are also reflected in numerous other projects at Campbell, including the Gilbert Craig Gore Arena in the John W. Pope, Jr. Convocation Center, the Gore Center for Servant Leadership and the Ed Gore Football Field.
“Bells call us to gather,” Choral Director Dr. Phillip Morrow remarked. “Whether for worship or for community and national events or even social events and get-togethers, communities gather. The Dinah E. Gore Bell Tower is a carillon capable of playing beautiful melodies-solemn and festive, inspiring and contemplative. And today we are grateful for this wonderful gift to the Campbell community.”
Dale Steele, coach of the Fighting Camels football team, explained the bell tower’s significance to the athletic community. “As we hear the victory bells ring out to signal a conference championship, it will remind us that we are all committed to our sports and academics here at Campbell,” he said.
Dedicated on Oct. 4, 2009, the Anna Gardner and Robert B. Butler Chapel is located on the Academic Circle adjacent to the Taylor Hall of Religion. The 10,000 square-foot chapel seats approximately 400 people and contains a sanctuary, gathering hall, bridal suite and administrative office suite. Outside features include the bell tower with prayer room and carillon, memorial garden, meditation garden, memorial pool and memorial walk.
Photo Copy: Dinah Gore and husband Ed attend the dedication of the Dinah E. Gore Bell Tower, part of Campbell University’s Anna Gardner and Robert B. Butler Chapel on Sunday, Nov. 1. Photo by Bennett Scarborough)
Campbell dedicates Butler Chapel bell tower in honor of Dinah Gore