Welcome to
Central Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
720 North Main Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 227-5273 Fax (210) 223-5151 cccsa.org
Central Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
720 North Main Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 227-5273 Fax (210) 223-5151 cccsa.org
Save Souls Grow Disciples Heal Hurts Fill Needs
Pardon Our Dust
Our Website is
Under Construction
Our Website is
Under Construction
www.cccsa.org Copyright 2010, Central Christian Church, San Antonio, TX 78205 Last updated 02-2010
Click here to Join us On facebook!
Music / Handbells / Carillon
The Nordan Memorial Carillon
Central Christian Church is home to the only belled (not electronic) carillon in San Antonio. The carillon was crafted in 1953 by the bell-founder firm Petit & Fritsen of Aarle-Rixtel, The Netherlands. The dedicatory recital was played on Christmas Eve 1953 by Wendell Westcott, carillonneur at Michigan State University.
The original carillon of 47 bells was a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Lester A. Nordan and family. It has a four-octave range and sounds in D, one whole step higher than concert pitch. The bells vary in weight from 3,850 pounds to 19 pounds. In memory of her husband, who died in 1969 at the age of 73, Mrs. Nordan added a 48th bell (low E flat) to the carillon. In 1983, Richard Strauss designed and built for Central Christian Church new playing and practice keyboards, which have become the North American standard. The keyboards were used at the Annual Congress of The Guild of Carillonneurs of North America meeting in San Antonio during the 100th anniversary of the founding of Central Christian Church. As a result of Mrs. Nordan’s continuing interest, the San Antonio Carillon Book of Christmas Music from Central Christian Church was published and distributed to Carillonneur Members who attended the Congress. The book, compiled and edited by Ronald Barnes, was dedicated to Mrs. Nordan. In the introduction of the book, Barnes explains, “Since the carillon at Central Christian Church was first heard on Christmas Eve, and since bells and Christmas are as inseparable here as elsewhere around the world, the idea for this Christmas Carillon Book came naturally.” The music is now available from American Carillon Music Editions. Mrs. Nordan died in 1994 at age 98.
In 2003 during the 50th anniversary celebration of the installation of the Nordan Memorial Carillon, a carillon recital series was begun November 23 when Central’s carillonneur, George Gregory, played Mrs. Nordan’s Alborada by Ronald Barnes. This was written “In honor of and dedicated to Mrs. Lester Nordan” and was completed in 1987, the year after the new 48th bell was installed. The new bell was used many times in the composition. Five carillonneurs from throughout the United States came to San Antonio to play each Sunday during Advent and on Christmas Eve. For the celebration, new carillon compositions by Alice Gomez and John Courter were commissioned for the concerts. The concerts and commissioned music were made possible by the support of Anita Nordan Lindsay, daughter of the carillon donors, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Nordan. Unfortunately Mrs. Lindsay died November 11, 2003, at age 82, just 12 days before the start of the recital series.
The carillon is located in the tower of the church. The bells do not move, but are struck by clappers connected by cables to a keyboard located just below the belfry. It might be thought of as a large piano, with wooden “batons” rather than keys, which are struck with half closed hands. In addition to the keys for the hands are also foot pedals. The close connection of the keyboard to the bells allows more precise playing.
For more information on carillons, visit The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America.
The service of dedication of the carillon, December 24, 1953, had these words:
We dedicate this Carillon that we might
praise Him for His mighty deeds;
That the heavens may sing forth the honor
of His name and make His praise glorious;
That all may proclaim His mercy and judgment;
To the glory of God and for the use of
the congregation and the city of San Antonio;
To the proclaiming of the praise of God,
to the summoning of the congregation to
the house of God, to the inviting
of the passer-by to prayer.
Central Christian Church is home to the only belled (not electronic) carillon in San Antonio. The carillon was crafted in 1953 by the bell-founder firm Petit & Fritsen of Aarle-Rixtel, The Netherlands. The dedicatory recital was played on Christmas Eve 1953 by Wendell Westcott, carillonneur at Michigan State University.
The original carillon of 47 bells was a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Lester A. Nordan and family. It has a four-octave range and sounds in D, one whole step higher than concert pitch. The bells vary in weight from 3,850 pounds to 19 pounds. In memory of her husband, who died in 1969 at the age of 73, Mrs. Nordan added a 48th bell (low E flat) to the carillon. In 1983, Richard Strauss designed and built for Central Christian Church new playing and practice keyboards, which have become the North American standard. The keyboards were used at the Annual Congress of The Guild of Carillonneurs of North America meeting in San Antonio during the 100th anniversary of the founding of Central Christian Church. As a result of Mrs. Nordan’s continuing interest, the San Antonio Carillon Book of Christmas Music from Central Christian Church was published and distributed to Carillonneur Members who attended the Congress. The book, compiled and edited by Ronald Barnes, was dedicated to Mrs. Nordan. In the introduction of the book, Barnes explains, “Since the carillon at Central Christian Church was first heard on Christmas Eve, and since bells and Christmas are as inseparable here as elsewhere around the world, the idea for this Christmas Carillon Book came naturally.” The music is now available from American Carillon Music Editions. Mrs. Nordan died in 1994 at age 98.
In 2003 during the 50th anniversary celebration of the installation of the Nordan Memorial Carillon, a carillon recital series was begun November 23 when Central’s carillonneur, George Gregory, played Mrs. Nordan’s Alborada by Ronald Barnes. This was written “In honor of and dedicated to Mrs. Lester Nordan” and was completed in 1987, the year after the new 48th bell was installed. The new bell was used many times in the composition. Five carillonneurs from throughout the United States came to San Antonio to play each Sunday during Advent and on Christmas Eve. For the celebration, new carillon compositions by Alice Gomez and John Courter were commissioned for the concerts. The concerts and commissioned music were made possible by the support of Anita Nordan Lindsay, daughter of the carillon donors, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Nordan. Unfortunately Mrs. Lindsay died November 11, 2003, at age 82, just 12 days before the start of the recital series.
The carillon is located in the tower of the church. The bells do not move, but are struck by clappers connected by cables to a keyboard located just below the belfry. It might be thought of as a large piano, with wooden “batons” rather than keys, which are struck with half closed hands. In addition to the keys for the hands are also foot pedals. The close connection of the keyboard to the bells allows more precise playing.
For more information on carillons, visit The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America.
The service of dedication of the carillon, December 24, 1953, had these words:
We dedicate this Carillon that we might
praise Him for His mighty deeds;
That the heavens may sing forth the honor
of His name and make His praise glorious;
That all may proclaim His mercy and judgment;
To the glory of God and for the use of
the congregation and the city of San Antonio;
To the proclaiming of the praise of God,
to the summoning of the congregation to
the house of God, to the inviting
of the passer-by to prayer.
Music
Come and enjoy our talented singers and musicians! George Gregory, our organist and carillonist since 1958, plays our stunning pipe organ during worship and with the Chancel Choir, directed by Charles Flores. After each service George gives a carillon concert. We recommend you take your coffee and cookies out to the patio to enjoy the full effects of the carillon. Instruments, such as our grand piano, flutes, trumpets, a string ensemble, or even a mariachi band enhance the musical experience from time to time.
The Chancel Choir rehearse every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. in room 110. They sing for all worship services, including seasonal presentations. Music students from local universities also join the choir during the school year.
The Handbell Choir rehearses Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in room 110 and has many members from the Chancel Choir. They have presentations at various times during the year.
The Children’s Choir rehearses during Church School and on occasion makes a presentation on the chancel steps in lieu of a children’s sermon.
Carillon recitals follow the worship service each Sunday, and on special occasions, such as Christmas and Easter. The history of our carillon is below.
Come and enjoy our talented singers and musicians! George Gregory, our organist and carillonist since 1958, plays our stunning pipe organ during worship and with the Chancel Choir, directed by Charles Flores. After each service George gives a carillon concert. We recommend you take your coffee and cookies out to the patio to enjoy the full effects of the carillon. Instruments, such as our grand piano, flutes, trumpets, a string ensemble, or even a mariachi band enhance the musical experience from time to time.
The Chancel Choir rehearse every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. in room 110. They sing for all worship services, including seasonal presentations. Music students from local universities also join the choir during the school year.
The Handbell Choir rehearses Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in room 110 and has many members from the Chancel Choir. They have presentations at various times during the year.
The Children’s Choir rehearses during Church School and on occasion makes a presentation on the chancel steps in lieu of a children’s sermon.
Carillon recitals follow the worship service each Sunday, and on special occasions, such as Christmas and Easter. The history of our carillon is below.
Charles Flores, Chancel Choir and Handbell Choir Director
George Gregory, organist and carillonist
CCC’s Handbell Choir performs, and George Gregory plays the carillon.
Mr. and Mrs. Lester A. Nordan
Home
Welcome
Worship
Directions
Children's Ministry
Adult Sunday School
Becoming A Christian
Becoming A Member
What We Believe
Staff
Serving Opportunities
Small Groups
Wedding Ministry
Quinceañeras
Child Care Center
Newsletters
Calendar
Prayer Concerns
Giving On-Line
Coming Events
Past Events
Disciples of Christ
Contact Us
Welcome
Worship
Directions
Children's Ministry
Adult Sunday School
Becoming A Christian
Becoming A Member
What We Believe
Staff
Serving Opportunities
Small Groups
Wedding Ministry
Quinceañeras
Child Care Center
Newsletters
Calendar
Prayer Concerns
Giving On-Line
Coming Events
Past Events
Disciples of Christ
Contact Us