This photograph was taken in about 1947.
Not perhaps of immediate interest to most, but my interest was aroused when I read that one Balfron church bell was apparently cast in 1791, and the other in 1888.
The earlier (small) bell was cast by “John Wilfone & Co” of 73 Trongate, Glasgow. The 43 inch bell was supplied by the Gorbals Brass and Bell Foundry in 1888. It was presented by Rev Alexander Slessor, who was minister here 1878-1904, and inscribed ‘Voco, Venite in Domini Temphum’.
Ranald Clouston’s “Church Bells of Stirling and Kinross” records that in the 1940s a 17 and 3/8th inches bell was preserved in the church. It was inscribed:
Gifted by Robert Dunmore of Ballindalloch 1791. (See image above)
The book notes that there was, before the church was rebuilt in 1832, a bell tree at the churchyard gate.
The bell is probably the work of John Wilson & Co of 73 Trongate, Glasgow. The manufacturers initials were inscribed inside the bell, which is, apparently a rarity.
So, where is this bell?
Any campanologists out there who might know something about our church bells?