Ring Any Bells? van Bergen Bells Bells are among civilization's oldest objects and can be found in almost every civilization throughout history. They originated in Asia-most likely the Chinese being the first to design and cast bells. Bells have been used throughout the centuries ringing in times of both celebration and sorrow to sound warnings, to give the time, to call people to worship, and to announce freedom, life, and death. Bells are certainly a common aspect of Lowcountry life, yet the beauty of their music and the exceptional quality of their workmanship is often unnoticed, overlooked, and easily forgotten. Located right here in Charleston (on John's Island) is van Bergen Foundries, Inc. This company is committed to continuing to provide the Lowcountry, as well as places all around the world, with bells' unique tolls, chimes, peals, and hour strikes that have taken centuries to perfect. For over 200 years the van Bergen family itself has been serving churches, colleges, universities, and many others around the world with finetuned, hand-crafted bells. A.H. van Bergen began casting bells in 1795 at his foundry in Heiligerlee, Holland. Soon his family's bellfoundry became the leader in its industry as the demand for bells increased throughout the Netherlands. The tradition and art of careful tuning and casting was handed down from generation to generation, father to son. In 1939, H.T. van Bergen came to the United States displaying two carillons (23 or more bells in a set) at the New York World's Fair. Both carillons sold. One was installed at the Dutch Reformed Seminary in New Brunswick, NJ, while the other was installed at Callie Self Memorial Church in Greenwood, SC. There, after World War II, the van Bergens established the first bellfoundry in America for tuning bells and casting small ones. Today's president of van Bergen Foundries, Inc. is a ninth generation van Bergen, H.H. (Harry) van Bergen. Harry and all of van Bergen's employees continue to work together to maintain the passion and tradition of bell casting while enhancing the community. Van Bergen has provided over 15 churches, colleges, and other buildings in the tri-county area with bells, bell towers, clocks, and clock towers. These include St. Philip's Episcopal Church, St. Mary's Catholic Church, St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Greater St. Lukes AME Church, St. John's Lutheran Church, St. James Episcopal Church, Payne RMUE Church, Yeamans Park Presbyterian Church, St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, The Citadel, The College of Charleston, NBSC Daniel Island, Fountain Point Plaza, River Course Golf Course, Cassique Golf Course, Franke at Seaside, and Presbyterian Home. The next time you hear these bells ringing, remember the years of faithful training and teaching that the van Bergen fathers have provided for their sons to keep these ancient sounds alive. For more information contact Stan Christoph, Regional Sales Manager, at (843) 559-4040 or by email: stan@vanbergen.com. Ring Any Bells? Taken from The Holy City Chronicle August 2002 Issue Used with Permission