Group takes next step to finish prolonged Bell Tower project

For five years, Matt Robbins, a graduate student in architecture, has been researching campus history. Throughout his exploration, Robbins has taken it upon himself to lead N.C. State in an effort to complete its Memorial Bell Tower. 

Robbins is working alongside others to put a 54 bell carillon inside the tower, as was originally intended.

D.J. Grant, a freshman in electrical engineering who just heard about the Bell Tower project, said he is seeking an answer.

“What’s a bell tower without a bell?” he asked.

Robbins has found a way to answer the question that others, like Grant, have asked. 

“There is no better place to start than where it all started in the beginning,” he said. 

The beginning of the Bell Tower starts with the Freemason Fraternity. 

Robbins said the Freemason organization is the cornerstone of the Memorial Bell Tower.

 

“The original proposal, plan, and fundraising for the Bell Tower started with the Masons,” Robbins said.

 

With the relationship between the Bell Tower and the Masons as support, Robbins said he has taken the necessary steps to introduce the project to the local Freemason members. At a meeting April 1, Robbins will propose the general idea of the topic to the Grand Lodge of Masons.

 

“I will provide them with the information that the Bell Tower was initiated, implemented, designed and constructed by Freemasons,” Robbins said.

According to Robbins, the purpose of the meeting is to search for a T-shirt sponsor. 

“If we have a sponsor, we can put 100 percent of the profit from the shirts in the bank for the [Bell] Tower fund,” Robbins said.

 

The shirts will be the first step taken to increase awareness and begin gaining funds to complete the project. 

“This is an awesome cause, so I can’t wait to buy a shirt,” Grant said.

 

Robbins said he hopes the shirts will not only serve as a way to collect funds, but as a conversation starter to help increase awareness of the project.

“Everyone wearing a shirt is a billboard, and because they had to interact with a member of the commission to get one, they know enough information to become a point of initiation for people who don’t know about the project,”  Robbins said.

According to Robbins, students should look for shirts to go on sale about April 8.

After the Wednesday meeting with the Grand Lodge of Masons, Robbins said he will travel around the area to individual subordinate Mason groups to elaborate on specifics about the Bell Tower project.

“It’s our wishes, and hopes, that they respond favorably because once we get [the project] off the ground, we can keep it going,” Robbins said. 

To keep the project alive, Robbins said he is counting on the support and assistance of students. 

“We will rely on the students’ abilities to make themselves active participants in this, and make a change and make something happen.”  Robbins said. “It is the essence of N.C. State to get up and do something.”

Robbins said the project is important because it will help get the community ball rolling again.

Taylor Ashby, a senior in economics and a member of Robbins’ team, said his love for the school is what drives him to help.

“This is a great opportunity to improve my University; the history and importance of the Bell Tower should be preserved,” Ashby said.

Robbins said the Bell Tower serves as a memorial — a place for congregation and celebration — and it’s a symbol of identity. 

“It’s on our seal; it’s on our rings; it’s on the front page of the Technician, it’s everywhere — it’s who we are,” he said. “This whole project is about getting people to speak together with one voice, pulling the students, original Freemasons, and the community into it.”