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I am in love with the cathedrals and churches in Europe and the bells in this region. I haven’t been here long enough to

Inside St Christophe

tell how often the bells in Tourcoing ring, but when my windows are open to get fresh air, I can hear the bells play from Sainte Christophe, the neo-gothic church that’s just a five minute walk from where I’m living.  Something about bells ringing from a European cathedral is magical, it’s hard not to smile or feel the child in my heart coming alive. In my mind, I see the city as it might have looked centuries ago or imagine newlyweds joyously walking through the church entrance almost dancing from the excitement set to the soundtrack of those bells. I never saw myself as a “church-wedding” girl. For me personally, I feel more at peace and spiritual in a meadow of flowers and sunlight than in a cold building filled with images from Jesus’ crucifixion. BUT, old European churches are the exception to that. I would happily get married someday in a cathedral or church in Europe. Fantastic acoustics, when the light hits the delicate stained glass, gold decor and massive architecture filled with intricate designs, the interior becomes this place of astonishing beauty and soft rainbows blanketing hard floor. With this sight and the sound of music echoing in the well-designed acoustics the effects are completely overwhelming and yet I feel at peace at the same time. Another

Close-Up

factor that adds to the effect is the sound played from those ancient bells. Everything about these churches highlights romanticism, beauty, being awe inspiring and the majesty of God. In a place of such beauty and heart, who wouldn’t want to pray or get married here? Being inside I have to make continuous mental notes to not start singing to the rafters and let all the emotions inside of me take over, seeking song or dance to release them.

 

 

St Christophe

I also appreciate the history of each European church. People have been seeking refuge in them since before the United States existed. Weird to think about, right? The sounds from the bell tower in Saint Christophe aren’t simply bells, but they are carillon. This bell tower is a historical monument from the 16th century and it was enlarged in 1991. I don’t know the melodies, but wherever I am when I hear the carillon from the cathedral, I can’t help but turn my rambling thoughts off to simply listen and let the pictures in my imagination go like I’m opening a storybook. Tourcoing has gone through extreme changes over the centuries, but the bells keep ringing. Before the year 1000 Christians came here to this church to pray.

A carillon consists of at least 23 cast bronze bells that are tuned in chromatic order and played from a keyboard. Most carillons encompass three to four octaves but the bell tower in Sainte Christophe has 5 octaves and there are 61 bells. The greatest concentration of carillons is in Northern France and neighboring countries, the Netherlands and Belgium.  The carillon originated in Flanders 1480 so it makes sense it’s still only in this region. If you would like more information about the carillon, click here.

In Lille, the carillon plays “Ode de Joy” every 30 minutes from the bell tower, called the Belfry of Lille. The Belfry of Lille was established to warm when invaders were coming (keep in mind it has been the most sieged city in France). Each town has its own melody and only one town hall or church in each town has the carillon- the others just have regular bells.

The Belfry of Lille

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