ABAC chimes ring out after years of silence

TIFTON — A sound that had been missing for five years was in the air as graduates of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College emerged Thursday following commencement ceremonies at Gressette Gym: The chimes from the bell tower at the college’s Chapel of All Faiths rang out in their honor.

ABAC Media Productions Coordinator Matthew Reid said it had been quite a process to restore the music from the bell tower, which had been silenced because of technical problems.

“It couldn’t have happened without everyone’s commitment and teamwork,” Reid said. “ChimeMaster from Atlanta made sure the installation went just fine.”

Reid said the new digital system features a high-definition speaker that will produce a deeper sound throughout the front of the campus.

“There are currently 5,000 song options, and we have the ability to add an additional 1,000 more,” Reid said. “It is truly a new technology to enhance an old system.

“We plan to ring the chimes on the hour just as they did when the chapel opened.”

Reid said Vice President for Finance and Operations Paul Willis was instrumental in bringing the project to fruition, along with Arts Connection Director Wayne Jones, Department of Fine Arts Head Susan Roe and Chief Development Officer Deidre Martin.

“Thanks also to everyone at Sodexo for their hard work, even when weather and insect conditions weren’t favorable,” Reid said. “A special thank-you should go to ChimeMaster representative Timothy Eachus for his multiple trips up the tower to make sure the speaker was placed and working properly.”

Martin said restoring the chimes was part of a larger improvement plan for the chapel in 2018. ABAC alumnus Tyron Spearman led a fundraising effort to get the project underway and to provide a jumpstart for the future.

“The chapel is a popular spot on campus for public events to be held, so to increase functionality and aesthetics, our plan is to upgrade the lighting system, replace the outer protective windows, and update and enhance the Prayer Garden courtyard,” Martin said. “Additional opportunities for our alumni and donors to invest in these efforts will be announced as ABAC moves forward in this process.”