What is a Carillon?

A carillon is a set of bells in a tower that chimes and plays melodies at specified times.  Salem’s carillon does not have actual bells, but is an electronic unit with speakers. The original Salem carillon installed in 1971 was replaced in the 1990’s with a digital model that is programmable. The carillon unit is a Schulmerich Novabell Digital Autobell. It is programmed to play bells at noon and 6 p.m. daily, as well as a call to worship bell at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays. 

Songs for the carillon are stored on nine different cartridges:

• Advent Hymns
• Christmas Carols
• Epiphany Hymns
  Lenten Hymns
• Easter Hymns
• Pentecost (summer)
• Thanksgiving Hymns
• Gospel Hymns
• Lutheran Hymns

Each cartridge holds twelve songs that are uploaded to the carillon memory at various times and seasons of the church year. Multiple cards can be loaded at the same time to play a mix. The carillon has other programmable features such as a counted bell toll setting that can be used for funerals.

In Loving Memory of Lt. Roger W. Anderson

Born on December 12, 1945, Lt. Roger W. Anderson was a lifelong member of Salem Lutheran Church, as well as a devoted father, husband, brother, and son. He was well respected and loved by his friends, classmates, and the community of Montevideo.

Roger served in the United States Army in the rank of Lieutenant as a Unit Commander. He was killed in action on December 1, 1970, in Phuoc Long province, South Vietnam.

His commendations include: Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign, Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and the Army Good Conduct Medal.

The Salem Carillon was donated in loving memory of Roger by his family in 1971.