The bell tower was dedicated in October 1975 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the school's founding.[1] Built in a simple, modern style designed by architect Fred L. Markham, it is 97 feet (30 m) tall with 99 steps up a spiral stair case and 11 steps up a ladder to the carillon.[2] The carillon contains 52 bells and the bells range in size from 25 lbs to 4,730 lbs.
The carillon tolls a tune based on the hymn "Come, Come, Ye Saints," followed by the hour, and tolls a chime on the half-hour.[3] The hour and half-hour strikes are controlled by an automated system. Carillonneurs may also play the instrument by means of a keyboard located directly below the belfry, in a small room reached by a spiral staircase that ascends through the center of the tower.
The carillon was constructed by Paulsen Construction Company with Markham & Markham Architects and Engineers doing the design work.[4] BYU is owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), and its carillon is the only such instrument the church owns. LDS churches rarely feature bell towers, and the only temple to contain even a single bell is the Nauvoo Illinois Temple.[citation needed]
