Allen Bell Tower, King part of the fabric of campus community for 25 years
Kim Chaudoin |
Donna King has been the university carillon for 25 years.
Donna King’s footsteps echo softly as she begins the 105-step climb up a steep spiral staircase inside Allen Bell Tower, an iconic landmark on the Lipscomb University campus.
Her destination is a tiny playing cabin perched 75 feet above the ground. Once King reaches the top, she climbs a ladder and swings open the hatch, welcoming a breeze and the sounds of life below.
Settling in at the carillon’s wooden keyboard, her hands press the batons and her feet find the pedal keys. King begins to play and the bells respond with a rich, resonant harmony that carries across the campus.
This scenario is one that King has lived out countless times over the last 25 years as Lipscomb’s first and only university carillonist, the quiet force behind the beautiful music.
“When I play, I’m surrounded by this sense of place and purpose,” says King, who is also associate professor of music in Lipscomb’s School of Music. “It’s not about me. I’m just there with the instrument, and the music surrounds the campus, becoming a part of people’s lives — whether they’re walking to class, marking time, celebrating a graduation or simply sitting on the steps enjoying the day.”
For King, the tower has been more than a campus icon — it’s been a companion, a challenge and a constant source of joy. King’s connection to the bells began unexpectedly. A skilled pianist, King had been an adjunct faculty member in the music at Lipscomb for a number of years. As she was transitioning to a full-time faculty position, King, who had no experience with carillons, was asked to take on the role in addition to her teaching responsibilities.
WATCH: Lipscomb University continues cherishing the carillon atop Allen Bell Tower (WTVF-CBS)
The carillon sets 75 feet above the ground in the playing cabin in Allen Bell Tower.
“I thought to myself, ‘Well, this wasn’t in the job description,’” King recalls with a smile. “Learning to play the carillon was intimidating at first. But I really loved getting to figure out the instrument. As I was learning to play the carillon, I met some wonderful people. Everyone was so helpful in helping me get to the point of being able to play.”
King said Richard Shadinger, recently retired from Belmont University as their long time carillonneur, let her use their practice keyboard. Beverly Buchanan, who was extremely well known in carillon circles, lived near the Lipscomb campus neighborhood and King took lessons from her.
“I'm certainly not a master player or virtuoso by any means,” she continues, “but I've loved learning about the instrument and over time I grew more comfortable with it. I also love the anonymous aspect of playing the carillon as you're just there with the instrument, no one can see you, and it's sounding all around the campus with whatever people are doing.”
Over the years, King has arranged pieces for special occasions like the inauguration of Lipscomb President Candice McQueen in 2022 and convocations.
“My absolute favorite times to play are after December graduations,” she says. “I’ll open the hatch to the playing cabin, hear families talking, laughing and celebrating below, and play Christmas carols for 45 minutes. There’s something about that time of year — about joy, grace and hard work coming together — that makes it so special. It’s neat to be a part of that.”
Allen Bell Tower has been an icon for 25 years.
A gift of music and remembrance
The Allen Bell Tower was born out of both loss and hope. Built in 1999 through the generosity of Jim and Linda Allen. Jim is a former vice president for business affairs at Lipscomb and served on the Lipscomb University Board of Trustees from 1998-2017. Linda served as a longtime member of the Associated Women for Lipscomb and was a true partner with Jim in his work at Lipscomb. She was known for developing close relationships with students — she was often considered the “unofficial dorm mother” for all students on campus. For decades they have also been ardent supporters of Bison athletics.
The tower serves as a memorial to their son, Michael, whose life was tragically cut short in 1987 as the result of an automobile accident. The Allens envisioned the tower as a way to honor not only their son but the community of students and families who make Lipscomb a place of transformation.
“This tower is a way, regardless of who we are, that we can remember loved ones who have dedicated their lives to this school and what it means in so many lives of other young people as they come here,” Jim Allen said at the tower’s dedication on May 1, 1999. “We wanted to create something lasting, something meaningful.”
The 100-foot Allen Bell Tower was designed to be a campus icon. Its 35 bells were cast in the Netherlands by Petit & Fritzen, which was one of the world’s oldest and most respected bell foundries at the time. The largest bell weighs 550 pounds; the smallest, just 24. The carillon has a three-octave range, making it capable of playing a wide range of songs and it can be played manually or electronically.
Allen Bell Tower is the backdrop for a number of campus events.
“Our bells aren’t huge by carillon standards, but they’re perfect for our campus—a tight-knit community in a residential neighborhood,” explains King.
The first performance on the tower was given at the dedication ceremony in 1999. Doug Gefvert, assistant carillonneur at the Washington Memorial National Carillon and bellmaster for the historic Old Christ Church in Philadelphia at the time, gave the first performance. Gefvert represented the Verdin Co., which installed the carillon.
Today, the bell tower chimes at the top of every hour and marks time in 15-minute intervals and is played before and after May and December commencement ceremonies each year along with for other special occasions. It is the site of outdoor concerts such as Lighting of the Green, students study on its steps and it is a central gathering point for the community.
Lighing of the Green with Amy Grant and friends happens on the steps of Allen Bell Tower each year.
The Allens’ vision extended beyond the tower. Over the years, their generosity has transformed Lipscomb through projects like Allen Arena and contributions to health sciences and student access initiatives. “Their gifts have shaped this campus in profound ways,” King says. “But what moves me most is their forward-thinking generosity—they wanted to create something that would resonate with generations to come.”
“The Allens knew the power of place,” she continues. “Hearing the bells ties people to this campus in a special way. It’s not just about the sound; it’s about the memories and emotions those sounds evoke.”
As the Allen Bell Tower celebrates its silver anniversary, it continues to inspire. For King, the bells are a reminder of the beauty of unexpected opportunities.
“I never imagined this would be part of my life, but it’s been such a gift,” she says. “Music has always been my way of opening doors and connecting with people, and this carillon has given me that opportunity for 25 years.”