For the first time in at least a decade, the bells tolled at the historic Our Lady of the Assumption Church. The loud ring echoed across Windsor’s west side on Sunday, to end an outdoor Mass. Standing at the front steps of the church, Paul Mullins felt it was “special” to see another step in the right direction for the parish. “Those bells have not rung for at least a decade or more, and to get them back in operation is really significant,” said Mullins, who’s helped lead the lengthy restoration of Assumption Church. Restoring the bells to their former glory cost about $40,000. It included the restoration of the bells and the automatic ringer. A significant portion was dedicated to the eviction of pigeons living in the bell tower, which included securing the louvres to avoid future entry. Mullins felt it was a “shame” to have the historic bells sit silently idle for a decade. “It lets the whole community know that this parish is alive, this church is alive and that everyone’s welcome to come and either enjoy the liturgy or to enjoy the architecture because it’s such a piece of work,” Mullins said. Built in 1842, Mullins said the church is still in need of upgrades to the sound system. Work is also required to complete the center nave and sanctuary, which Mullins estimates will cost about $2 million. Mullins is hopeful they will be able to complete the interior by 2028 in time for the 300th anniversary of the establishment of Our Lady of Assumption among the Hurons of Detroit. “We really owe it to everyone who has made it get to this point to get that part of the job complete,” Mullins added.
