Lombard’s Maple Street Chapel bell rang in the new year with a new clearer tone and is now protected from possible cracking, following recent maintenance work performed by Verdin Bell Company. According to Ken Bohl, Maple Street Chapel Preservation Society facilities director, an inspection of the bell by Verdin found that its clapper was worn flat on both of its striking sides. Also, because a system of springs inside the bell were not in alignment and had worn away, the clapper has had contact with the bell for a second every time it was rung–instead of quickly striking it with the help of the springs–which caused wear. Now, after 148 years of ringing, a new bronze clapper (pictured at right with installer) and new springs have been installed.
