Thirteen-year-old Desmond Hamilton is learning to play the Carillon bells at St. George’s Anglican Church in Guelph, guided by his grandfather, Don Hamilton.
The Hamilton family are long-time members of the parish. In fact, Don was baptized at St. George’s in 1948 by Canon Brownlee! He attended Sunday School as a child, going on to be a teacher and even the superintendent for a time. Don’s musical path began unexpectedly one Easter morning in 1987:
“I was invited to ‘come up to the bells’ as the saying went back then. Earl Hunt had been the Carillonneur for about five years. He was preparing to spend the summer at his cottage and winter in Florida. Earl and I shared similar backgrounds: Scouting, Masonic and Scottish Rite membership, and playing bagpipes with the Guelph Pipe Band. He figured I might enjoy the carillon, and he was right! It came as quite a surprise, but I took it on.”
Located 56 steps above ground level, the St. George’s Carillon was originally a gift from local businessman Arthur Cutten in 1925. It’s home to 36 carillon bells and is one of only 9 working carillons in Canada – the tolling bell alone weighs nearly 4000 lbs. Tunes are played by striking baton-like keys, which are connected to the bells in a 3-octave natural bell carillon.
Over time, Don’s passion for the bells became a family affair. His daughter Cathy played for a time before high school, and his son Duncan also took a turn at the keyboard before heading off to college. Photos from around 2015 capture visits to the bell tower by grandsons Daniel, David, and Desmond – little moments that planted the seeds for a new generation.
Now, decades later, the musical tradition continues. Don still plays the bagpipes after more than 60 years. Grandson David has followed suit, piping with the 121 Red Arrows Air Cadets in Guelph since 2023.
Desmond, meanwhile, is embracing music on multiple fronts. Since spring 2023, he has been learning acoustic and electric guitar, but it’s the carillon bells that have truly captured his heart. He gravitates toward classic Anglican hymns – favourites include I Vow to Thee, My Country, traditional Scottish airs, and stirring naval tunes. As a Navy Cadet himself, Desmond has a deep respect for those who serve, often choosing to play The Maple Leaf Forever in tribute.
Desmond will begin high school in September 2025, joining his brothers for a special year when all three will be at the same school – a fitting note in this continuing harmony of family, music, and faith.
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