The Rochester Carillon was featured on the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America Facebook page

Oct 23, 2017 | Austin Ferguson | @carillonghorn

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High above Rochester, Minnesota, the Rochester Carillon has serenaded Mayo Clinic patients, staff, and visitors daily since its 1928 installation in the Plummer Building, a National Historic Landmark. The carillon is unique in that it is the only hospital-owned carillon in the world, as well as one of the few instruments in North America with a full-time carillonneur on staff to play it.

Inspired by a love of music and the desire to honor American soldiers following the First World War, the original 23 bells were the gift of Drs. William and Charles Mayo. They were cast in the foundry of Gillett and Johnston in Croydon, England, and consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury before being shipped to the United States. The largest bell, the bourdon, is almost six feet tall and weighs 7,840 lbs. Inscribed on its side is, "Dedicated to the American Soldier by William J. and Charles H. Mayo."

Read the full story here.

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