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, 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.
Visitors
to all events within the confines of the Old Dutch Church building should be
aware that entry to the church involves negotiating a long, steep ramp; uneven
stone steps; narrow entryways; and narrow aisles and seating.