St. Stephen Presbyterian Church sits on a hilltop at the edge of the 109 overlooking Forest Park and downtown Fort Worth. Those in the vicinity of the historic church are familiar with the traditional hourly tune that rings from the church’s 200-foot tower.

 “I know I am always on time because I get to work at 8:30 and leave at 4:30,” Judi Greathouse, the church’s secretary and office administrator said. “If I don’t hear the bells, I know I am too early or too late.”

The 15-second tune of the tower bells has stayed the same since 1982.

 “The melody is the same every hour, but can be manually operated from the sanctuary organ,” Beth Fultz, director of education said. “There is not a special bell tune for weddings or holidays.”

According to St. Stephen Presbyterian archives, the five molded bells were cast in Holland and installed at St. Stephen Presbyterian Church in 1982 and refurbished in 2007. Individually, the bells weigh anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 pounds. In total, the bell structure weighs 12,081 pounds.

Minister of Music Mark Scott maintains the bells. The 1975 Texas Christian University graduate has been at St. Stephen Presbyterian Church since his graduation.

For more information about the church, which is located at 2700 McPherson Ave. in the 76109, visit http://ststephen-pcusa.com/ .