Briand, Bishop, for
the present he made of the big bell, which, exclusive of its clapper,
weighs 3,255 lbs. Name, LOUISE, by Messieur Montgolfier, Grand Vicaire,
and Mdlle de Lery, representing its Matron. Blessed by Monsigneur Louis
Masriacheau D'Esgley, coadjutor."
"1778. 28th July. Christening of the bells by M. Noel Voyer, on the 22nd
July. Blessed by Sa Grandeur, Monseigneur Briand; the first weigh
1,625 lbs. - named OLIVIER GENEVIEVE - Godfather, Sa Grandeur, with
Madame Chanazard wife of M Berthelot 7 yards of white damask given as a
(christening) dress. The second, was called PIERRE MARIE, by M. Panet,
Judge of the Court, and his wife Marie Anne Rottot; said bell weighing
1,268 lbs."
A halo of poetry hovers over some of our bells. About 1829, Adam Kidd, a
son of song, hailing from Spencer Wood, - a friend of the Laird of the
Manor - Hon. H M Percival, wrote some graceful lines on the Church
Bells of the General Hospital Convent. This poem was published at the
Herald and New Gazette office, in Montreal. In 1830, with the Huron
Chief, and other poems by Kidd, and by him inscribed to Tom Moore, "the
most popular, most powerful and most patriotic poet of the nineteenth
century, whose magic numbers have vibrated to the heart of nations," says
the Dedication.
A delightful volume has recently been put forth by a Ursuline Nun,
entitled "GLIMPSES OF THE MONASTERY," in which the holy memories of the
cloister blend with exquisite bits of word painting; we find in it a
glowing sketch of the Convent Bells, and of the objects and scenery,
surrounding the "Little World" of the Ursulines.
