MHC Bell Tower Installation

A new 48' steel bell tower will be erected behind the outdoor altar of Mary Help of Christians. The bells in this tower were cast in 1920 by the Meneely Bell Company of Troy, New York, and placed in the two steeples of Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church on 12th Street in New York City, built in 1917. The bells are named, smallest to largest, Vitoria, Giovanna and Maria SS Ausiliatrice. The names of the original donors are inscribed on the bells. The church closed in 2007 and was demolished in August 2013, but the bells were removed before demolition. They were placed in storage for ten years. In 2023 they were refurbished to be mounted in this steel tower next to the outdoor altar, celebrating the 75th anniversary of this National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians. This project is made possible through the generosity of the late Dr. Hernando Ortiz, MD, with additional contributions from Thomas and Helen Donovan, Environmental Construction Inc., and Olori Crane Service.