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Workers Restore Bell to Memorial Church Following Loss of Clapper

Yard residents may hear hourly tolls by week's end

Late sleepers in Canaday Hall beware--the Memorial Church bell will soon ring again.

The bell, which has not rung since its 100-pound clapper came loose in high winds two months ago, may be back in business as early as the end of this week. The bell must first pass a final inspection, according to University officials.

Yesterday, workers hoisted two new clappers to the steeple using a large crane and counter-weights.

Behind an area of the Tercentenary Theater sectioned off by police, onlookers gawked at the all-day spectacle.

Harvard received the two new clappers from the foundry in England where the original clapper was constructed nine years ago.

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Each assembly, with a bell clapper and counterweight, weighs 400 pounds. They each cost approximately $2,500.

Officials purchased the two identical clapper sets at once in case there is any problem with the new clapper, said Daniel F. Murphy, Harvard Property and Real Estate (HPRE) property manager.

Yesterday, crane workers attached one clapper assembly to the bell and left the other on a protected platform below the bell.

An expert will examine the new setup before the motorized bell starts ringing this week to make certain that all parts are joined correctly.

"We think it will work great, but he will render his final opinion," Murphy said.

HPRE officials plan to attach a cable to the new clapper that will prevent it from falling out of the steeple even if it breaks off again, Murphy said.

Murphy said he is still uncertain as to why the clapper broke off in the first place.

The accident occurred March 5 when the clapper snapped off from its counter-weight and pierced a cornice of the steeple during a windstorm.

"You never know. We are going to ship it back [to England]," he said. "Maybe they can come up with a reason."

Murphy said church officials are elated by the bell's quick repair.

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