The McLane Carillon

From Baylor's most iconic symbol comes its resounding voice.

In the iconic, gold-clad tower of Pat Neff Hall, at the heart of the Baylor campus, resides an instrument of 48 cast bronze bells: the McLane Carillon (pronounced CARE-uh-lahn). Its crowded quarters belie the ubiquitous voice that ties generations of Baylor Bears together. Since 1939, the Pat Neff bells have serenaded students through campus and given their Baylor experience its soundtrack.

Originally Pat Neff Hall housed an electronic tubular bell chime set consisting of 25 bells given by Trustee Cullen Thomas that debuted in December 1939 with the hymn "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow." 

However, the chimes inevitably wore out, and the time arrived for their replacement. Thanks to the generosity of the family of Baylor alumnus and current Regent Emeritus Drayton McLane, BBA '58, the chime set was replaced with the current 48-bell carillon in the late 1980s. 

Built by the Paccard Bell Foundry in Annecy, France, the carillon made its way from Europe to the Baylor campus (after some delivery mishaps sent it past Houston to Mexico, then back) and was finally dedicated on Nov. 4, 1988. The bells of the carillon range in weight from just 29 pounds to an impressive 4,370 pounds; the total weight of the instrument tips the scales at more than 22 tons. It's a load Pat Neff Hall gracefully bears in stride.

The carillon is operated by University Carillonneur Lynnette Geary, who assisted on the instrument from 1996-2006 and has been in her current role since 2006. Using closed fists and feet to operate the levers and pedals of the mechanical keyboard (called a clavier), Geary masterfully fills the Baylor air with charming melodies, hymns, Christmas Carols, and “That Good Old Baylor Line.” When she's not performing for the campus, she provides instruction to music students desiring to master the intricacies of this massive instrument.

The impressive carillon has spoken to thousands of Baylor students who have crossed our beautiful grounds. So, it is only fitting that it also speaks, subtly, in the inscriptions fastened to its bells through messages left from Baylor presidents past.

“Baylor was created by forebears who had conviction, conscience and character, with passion for knowledge and truth.”

~ William Richardson White, President, Baylor University 1948-1961

“No government is safe whose people are ignorant. Education without moral training may be a power for evil as well as for good.”

~ Pat Morris Neff, President, Baylor University 1932-1947

“I have been more and more deeply impressed with the conviction that a more positive religious energy is needed in higher education. ”

~ Oscar Henry Cooper, President, Baylor University 1899-1902

“I wish to serve my generation faithfully and have a college commensurate with the increasing demands of the age.”

~ Reddin Andrews, President, Baylor University 1885-1886

“It is a great mistake to suppose that religion forbids or discourages the right use of reason.”

~ William Carey Crane, President, Baylor University 1864-1885

“Compromise in all that is consistent with the Word of God, but no more.”

~ George Washington Baines, President, Baylor University 1861-1863

“A resolute mind is omnipotent.”

~ Rufus C. Burleson, President, Baylor University 1851-1861, 1886-1897

“Christianity demands the ablest minds God has created and sanctified. How fortunate they who have faithfully educated their children.”

~ Henry L. Graves, President, Baylor University 1846-1851