Bentleys in Israel: YMCA Carillons & JC Organ

The Largest Musical Instrument in Jerusalem
Each Sunday (the Christian day of worship), Mike Ohman played the only carillon bells in the Middle East. They were near the top of the Jerusalem YMCA Tower.

Built in 1929, the Tower was near the center of town. So the country's largest musical instrument was heard by almost 1 million people! This display board gave some important background information.

JC organists have been playing here since Michael Moody in 2006. For nearly 35 years, the bells were unplayed, neglected & deteriorated. Then in 2006, the LDS Church helped provide the means to upgrade and play them.

We went before noon to hear and play them on Sunday, 9/19/10. It required real hand strength to push the keys that pull the large overhead strings connected to the bells. Some were pounded with fists for greater emphasis. The 12-foot pedals were used to play the largest bells.

The 35 bells covered three octaves and hung on huge steel bars. The largest was about 3,000 pounds; the smallest about 20'. Their tones cannot be adjusted and are affected by weather & winds. Cast by an English foundry, they were dedicated in 1935 to King George V and donated by an American woman.

Near the main console was a practice console. Marilyn gave it a try. Her hands & fingers tired quickly! No one but our group heard her play Beethoven's "Ode to Joy," first in single notes then in chords. Soon Mike joined her for a short duet. (Later he overhauled the console at the JC.)

Mike decided she was ready for prime time on the main console connected to the bells. Next, all of Jerusalem heard her playing (pounding out) tunes.

They ended with a rousing duet and Shari Ohman played the last note, at noon sharp! Mike said if Marilyn can learn to play the carillon this well, she can also learn the organ. Who knows what else she might do while we are here?

There were panoramic views from atop the YMCA Tower. The historic King David Hotel was across the street. Mt. Scopus and our JC lay beyond (bottom rt.)

The bell theme was also carried into the Tower's outside columns.

We continued our morning adventure, winding down 198 stairs to the ground.

There, we celebrated with lunch at Eddie Safadi's 4 Arches Cafe.

The girls picked flowers at the colonade -- before we attended Sunday Church services at Bethlehem (9/19/10).

Christmas Cheer

On 12/16/10 prior to the annual YMCA Christmas tree decorating, we returned with Mike. Also on 12/24/10 we did it prior to their Christmas Eve program.

Guest Performers.

Mike often brings BYU students & other guests to play the bells. Even our District youth did it on 4/3/11. Our friends Kay & Randy Huff came on 5/22/11. This time Marilyn, Kay & Mike were a trio -- and Randy hit the last note.

Marilyn's First Organ Lesson.

After our farewell dinner on 2/29/12, Marilyn got Norm Squires to show her how to play the great JC organ. It was her first time to lay hands on it -- or any organ.