Glasscock Memorial Carillon and Bell Tower

First Baptist Church in Corpus Christi received the gift of our bell tower and carillon from Mrs. Lucille Glasscock in 1976. The carillon was played after worship services, before and after weddings, and at summer concerts. Guest carillonneurs would come from around the world to provide concerts. The church and community enjoyed the carillon for a number of years, but by the 1990's it became clear that the coastal environment was not friendly to the structure. The remaining funds in the designated gift account have not been adequate to cover the full costs of maintenance. The structure was built without factoring the heat, humidity, and salt air of the Coastal Bend and its location on the bayfront.

On June 10, 2002, a bell fell from the tower and several bells were at risk of falling. Due to safety considerations, the bells were removed, and now they are kept in a safe, secure location. The bell tower stood for a decade longer before it was deemed unsafe, at which time the church membership voted to take it down and make plans to replace it with a structure that will meet the demands of our sub-tropical climate.  

The bell tower that has been a significant landmark on Ocean Drive for almost four decades was removed on November 3, 2015. A fundraising campaign is currently underway to rebuild the bell tower. No construction will occur without raising the funds necessary for the project. We are asking that whatever you consider giving be above your normal tithe or gift to the ongoing budget requirements of the church.

Brick Campaign

As part of our fundraising drive, we are offering commemorative bricks to place on the front lawn in the bell tower area. For the Foundry Level of giving for our Bell Tower Funding Drive we are making available for purchase engraved, customized 4x8 or an 8x8 brick. These bricks can be in celebration of special occasions, weddings, anniversaries, births, in honor of family or friends or to memorialize a loved one.

Bricks are $125 for a 4x8 and $225 for an 8x8 each and have space for 3 lines of engraved text, eighteen characters per line for the 4x8  and 6 lines of engraved text, eighteen characters per line for the 8x8 for your customized message. Every brick and its wording has a lifetime guarantee to ensure its preservation for generations to come. (We reserve the right to final editing for the sake of continuity and decorum.)

You may also purchase an authentic Donor Certificate for $10, or a commemorative Donor Brick for $30 for a 4x8 and $55 for an 8x8. A commemorative brick is an exact duplicate of the paver brick that your donation is purchasing for placement on the church lawn. The commemorative brick will include a felt backing, so you can proudly display it in your home or office.

Through our combined faith, hard work, and generosity, and with the glory of God's Word in song to lead us, we know that First Baptist Corpus Christi will continue to be a real community of compassionate Jesus followers.

Thank you for your prayers and contributions.