Barrett Memorial Bell Tower

The chimes of the Barrett Memorial Bell Tower play a beautiful melody, a tune that seems to rise and fall with the spirit of the St. Mary’s University community. See, the tower, a 100-foot skyward spire was a gift from Charles and Melissa Barrett in honor of Susana Barrett, Charles’ mother. It stands as a monument to the Barrett family and a symbol of the university’s commitment to excellence. The tower itself was based on the vision of Charles T. Barrett Jr., a St. Mary’s alumnus who wanted to create a structure that would serve as a focal point for the campus community. Before the tower, there was just an open field here. The Barrett Memorial Bell Tower is indeed a central meeting spot, especially for groups like the Marianist three o’clock prayer. The tower also highlights a poignant detail about the past. The tower, a source of pride for the university, is also a reminder of the history of the campus. You see, the tower was originally going to be built in Alkek Plaza, but the architects, engineers, and the community members who were working on the project thought that is location would be less fitting. The current location truly is the center of the campus. The tower is a monument to the Barrett family and a reminder of the university’s dedication to excellence. In fact, the university plays the school song, “Bells of St. Mary’s,” on special occasions, like commencement, from this tower. And while the tower itself is a beautiful and imposing structure, there’s something particularly endearing about its bell. The bells inside the tower are not actually real bells – they are made of styrofoam! The design, the engravings, and the styrofoam bells all make the tower unique. The Barrett Memorial Bell Tower is truly a monument to excellence: a testament to the generosity of the Barrett family and a symbol of the university’s continuing dedication to service.