Restoring a Corroded Bell for the Sacre' Coeur Retreat Center
Heritage Restoration was commissioned to restore a corroded 1904 church bell for the Sacré Coeur Retreat Center. The bell’s once-polished nickel surface had dulled and turned green over time. The project aimed to refurbish the bell’s finish, repair its hardware, and return it to operational condition for installation at the Retreat Center.
Project Details
Patina, the corrosion from metal oxidation, requires extensive chemical treatment and scrubbing to remove. This bell was particularly challenging, needing multiple cleaning passes to expose its original plating. A layer of red paint on the bell’s front, bonded firmly to the surface, was carefully removed without damaging the engraved lettering. After days of labor, the bell was restored and ready for use.
The bell’s mounting hardware, ball clapper, and hammer also underwent restoration. Each component was thoroughly cleaned and treated, then coated to prevent further tarnish. Originally rung by a rope connected to a wooden wheel, this wheel was repaired to serve as a manual “hand crank” for ground operation. A new wooden base, replicating the original church tower housing, was crafted and stained to match, then finished for durability and sheen.
The fully restored bell and components were transported to the Sacré Coeur Retreat Center, where the 1,200-pound bell was mounted with the assistance of Wilson Lawn Service. View the project video to hear the bell’s renewed melodious tone.
Project Video
Gallery
