Celebrating Easter while gathered round the belfry

That's Mark Babcock, organist at the Episcopal Cathedral Church of St. Paul in downtown Des Moines, taking a bow from the bell tower yesterday morning after performing a half-hour concert on the cathedral carillon --- one of the innovative ways Iowans found to celebrate Easter at a time when churches are for the most part closed.

As you can see from the news clip that follows, Sunday morning weather left a lot to be desired. But quite a few people turned out in their vehicles (and a couple of brave souls on foot) to listen.

The carillon's 12 original bells were cast in 1896, three more bells were added in 1989 and carillon status was achieved in 1991 when 10 more were installed. It's called the Windsor Carillon after the family that funded the last 13 bells as well as a rebuild of the cathedral tower to accommodate them.

It was a terrific inclusive way to celebrate this major Christian holiday, but I was perfectly content to watch from home rather than in person.