City of Plainfield Condemns Unnotified Sale of Grace Church Carillon Bells, Reaffirms Commitment to Historical Preservation
Plainfield, NJ — April 11, 2025 — The City of Plainfield would like to publicly address growing community concern regarding the unnotified sale and removal of the historic Carillon bells from the former Grace Episcopal Church, located at 117–127 East 7th Street, without notification to either the City or the donor family of Albert Pittis, whose legacy was instrumental in the original donation of the Carillon.
The City only became aware of the sale of the bells after inquiries were made during routine follow-up discussions related to the redevelopment of the property. It was later discovered that the bells had been sold to Church Good Services, LLC, between April and May of 2024 and physically removed from the premises in August/September 2024. This action occurred despite previous public commitments made by the Diocese during the land use review process to preserve the bells on-site.
During a public hearing held by the Planning Board on December 7, 2023, multiple stakeholders testified to the historical and cultural importance of the Carillon:
- Phyllis Jones, CEO/CFO of the New Jersey Diocese of the Episcopal Church, testified that the Diocese was amenable to allowing the Carillon bells to remain on the property.
- Jeffrey Spelman, a local carillonneur affiliated with the church, stated that citizens had formed a group interested in maintaining the Carillon at its current location.
- Carolyn Pittis, daughter of Albert Pittis, expressed gratitude that the Applicant was open to preserving the Carillon while also questioning what public-private partnership models could be explored to maintain it and how it could be protected during demolition.
As a condition of development approval, the Planning Board required that, prior to any construction permits, the applicant submit revised plans, which included the evaluation of retaining the Carillon and the organ for periodic community use. In early 2025, follow-up discussions were held with the Mayor’s Office to establish a Grace Carillon Study Group, proposed by Carolyn Pittis and Jeffrey Spelman, to preserve and potentially manage the Carillon through a foundation-type structure, consistent with national precedents for public musical treasures on private property.
In response to the bells’ removal, the City convened a meeting in March 2025 with:
- The Diocese of New Jersey, represented by Bishop Sally French, Karen Moore (Senior Warden of Grace Church), Paul Ambos, Esq. (Chancellor), and Tal Kramer, Esq. (Diocesan Counsel)
- The Pittis family, represented by Carolyn and Melinda Pittis
- Community advocates, including Jeff Spelman and Jim Spear
- City leadership, including Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, the City’s Director of Economic Development, Corporation Counsel, and Redevelopment Counsel
During this meeting, the Diocese maintained that the bells were church property and could be disposed of at their discretion. Mayor Mapp affirmed his openness to working collaboratively with the Diocese and the community to return the bells to their original home at Grace Church, acknowledging their emotional, cultural, and historical significance to the City.
Furthermore, the former church and rectory buildings have been officially removed from tax-exempt status and placed on the City’s tax rolls, according to New Jersey law governing properties no longer used for religious or charitable purposes.
“The removal of the Carillon without notice to the City or respect for the Pittis family’s generous legacy is not only disheartening but also contradicts the spirit of public trust that guided previous discussions,” said Mayor Adrian O. Mapp. “We remain committed to doing everything we can to preserve Plainfield’s history and to seek a path forward that honors the intent of the donor family and the community’s deep appreciation for this iconic landmark.”
The City of Plainfield urges continued dialogue and cooperation among all parties involved to ensure that Grace Church’s legacy—and the music of its beloved Carillon—is returned to the heart of the community.