St Matthew’s bell tower
Though people like to call it ‘la bibliothèque’ we actually ring in ‘St Matthew’s bell tower’. The bell tower is independent from the library, and belongs to the city, as part of the $1 deal made when the Anglican church of Saint Matthew was made into a library. We go in and out through the library, and collect the key from the librarians.
About the bell tower
The cemetery was put in place in the 1770s. An Anglican church was built in 1827, but destroyed by fire in 1845. A new chapel was built in 1849, and the church of St Matthew took it final form in the 1880s. The library conversion was done in 1980.
The cemetary
The cemetary is an offical historic site, and protected. You can pick up a pamphlet from the librarians, and follow a guided tour.
The church
The church was built in 1888, and given to the city to be converted to a library in 1980. The bell tower and the nave at the other end are not officially part of the library.
The bells
The bells are John Warner & Sons, installed on a timber frame in 1888, the second oldest peal of bells in Canada. The bell weights are: treble , #2 , #3 , #4 , #5 , #6 , #7 , tenor 15-0-0 cwt.
The band
The same band, we go back and forth between towers.
The St Matthew’s bell tower is in the news from time to time.
Cover story, and a story about a mysterious bell, in Ringing World (the English bell ringers’ magazine) in 2025.
Ring the bells
You are welcome in both towers.
Practice nights Tuesday
Second Tuesday of each month, 18h – 19h45
- Most practices are at the cathedral, 19h to 21h. Once a month we ring at St. Matt’s, and the library closes at 20h.
- Beginners can also learn here, it is the same band, and the same teachers.
- With no windows in the ringing chamber and plain bearings on the bells, this tower gives ringers a feel of ringing in England.
- Take a look at the library, it is beautiful.
- If you want to visit, always check ahead. Sometimes the practice is at the cathedral even on the second Tuesday.
Special events
When the cathedral is closed
- We rang here to commemorate the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and for her funeral.
- Bands can book the tower for a peal attempt, within library open hours.
- We always ring here during the Québec City May Ringing Weekend.
- Ringing here gives a special ambience to St Jean street.