Mobile Millenium Carillon and Free Tours at the Old Dutch Church

Each
weekend from Sept. 28 through Oct. 20, from noon to 4 p.m., the massive Mobile Millennium Carillon – which is a
set of large church bells connected to an organ-style “keyboard” on a truck bed
– will rest outside the Old Dutch Church, where visitors may play it for a nominal
fee. This carillon is one of only two in the United States and most recently
toured Europe for about 15 years. This awe-inspiring instrument thrills audiences
with its five and one-half tons of cast bronze bells. Hearing the bells, and
feeling the vibration of their sound, will make for a unique and dynamic hands-on
outdoor musical experience.

The
Old Dutch Church building and adjacent
burying ground will be open for tours from noon until 4 p.m. on weekends
from Sept. 28 to Oct. 27. Built in 1685 by Frederick Philipse, Dutch founder of
nearby Philipsburg Manor, the Old Dutch is the oldest standing church building in
New York State and one of the oldest in the United States. Worship services are
still held there on summer Sundays and on Christmas Eve, and it is the venue
for wedding ceremonies and concerts year-round.