May 22, 2009
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. – On May 19 and 20, the Schulmerich Nova Bell Generation 4 Electronic Carillon was installed in Stuart Auditorium. The Electronic Carillon is a gift to Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center from the Junaluska Rejoices Cookbook Committee, who generously purchased the bells with proceeds from their cookbook sale. Plans are underway to have a service of dedication during the first worship service of the season at Stuart Auditorium June 21.
“I am appreciative of this musical gift. These bells will be heard by thousands of visitors to Haywood County for years to come,” said Jimmy Carr, Executive Director of Lake Junaluska. Carr received the Carillon on behalf of Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center.
The Carillon bells, located inside Stuart Auditorium, can be programmed to play up to 420 songs, which will be broadcast from six speakers located on the roof of Stuart. The bells can be programmed by remote control from the sound booth, or can be pre-set to play at intervals for a given amount of time. The sound from the bells can be heard and enjoyed in the immediate vicinity of Stuart, across the lake and throughout the community.
The Cookbook Committee chose the English voice to play the pre-installed musical selections. Other voices will be added when more musical selections are chosen. The Schulmerich Company’s installer was on site to get the carillon in working order and to train local technicians to use the equipment.
Junaluskans serving as members of the present cookbook committee are: Mary Funderburk, chair; Jean Johnson, treasurer; and Iris Hutchinson, secretary. Other members include Don Joiner, Bob Jones, Carolyn Lescalleet, Marie Metcalf, Julia O’Neil, and Myrtle Starnes.