Germantown Church Builds Bell Tower-Cell Tower Hybrid

A new church bell tower could chime in better cell phone reception for Germantown residents.

Trinity United Methodist Church has leased land to Verizon to build a 110-foot cell phone tower that will also function as a computerized bell tower, Pastor James Miller told Patch.

A spokeswoman for Verizon was unable to provide further details when reached by Patch on Friday.

The tall white beams are already visible to drivers approaching the church’s perch atop a hill at Clopper and Germantown roads.

Miller said construction is expected to be completed in the next couple of weeks.

Once complete, the bells will sound hourly each day, with “softer” chimes set for 8 to 10 p.m. The bells will also play hymns 10 minutes before the church’s 10 a.m. Sunday service.

The church’s logo—a cross and flame—will be placed high on the tower. 

“It lets people know we're here in Germantown,” Miller said. “That's the blessing I see in it.”

Miller said Trinity was approached by Verizon to place an antenae at the church. 

He said there was initial interest in Trinity's existing 80-foot bell tower—which has no bells in it—but it was later determined that it was too short.

According to church administrator Sharon Pearsall, the church and Verizon entered into a 20-year lease agreement.  

Miller said funds from the cell provider's monthly rent will help fund church ministries and upgrades the church's 20-year-old building.