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The Story Behind Carlton Landing’s New Bell Tower

If you’ve driven into Carlton Landing recently from the Stevens Road entrance near the marina, you may have noticed something new taking shape.

bell tower at Carlton Landing Community Church

, and once completed, it will become one of the most recognizable landmarks in town.

But the tower isn’t just a decorative structure. It’s part of a thoughtful vision that blends architecture, community identity, and a bit of small-town tradition.

In a recent podcast episode, I sat down with Pastor 

 to talk about the story behind the bell tower and what it will mean for Carlton Landing.

Interestingly, the bell tower wasn’t originally the starting point.

For years, the church had discussed adding 

 so visitors driving through town would know what the building was. Many first-time visitors often ask that question.

At the same time, people frequently wondered why the church didn’t have a more traditional feature like a steeple or cross tower.

As these conversations evolved, the idea of a 

 began to take shape — something that could serve multiple purposes at once.

One concept that influenced the design comes from a principle in town planning often called 

This idea suggests that buildings should contribute something beautiful or inviting to the public spaces around them.

Sometimes that gift is landscaping, a plaza, or interesting architecture.

In this case, the bell tower will serve as a visual landmark — especially for people entering Carlton Landing near the marina.

For many visitors, it will be one of the first structures they see when arriving in town.

The design blends classical architectural proportions with elements that match Carlton Landing’s style.

The arches will actually span the sidewalk leading to the church, so visitors walking from the street will pass directly through the tower.

One of the most interesting parts of the project is the bell itself.

Before the tower was even designed, the church began searching for a bell.

 that had once been used in a schoolhouse in Iowa.

When the school was renovated, the bell was gifted to a family connected to the school administration. Over time, it became difficult to store or display — and the family wanted it to ring again rather than sit unused.

That’s how it eventually made its way to Carlton Landing.

Soon, it will once again serve its original purpose.

Historically, church bells often marked the rhythm of daily life in towns.

They signaled the start of church services, special events, or even simply the passing of time.

The Carlton Landing bell tower may bring back a small piece of that tradition.

While it won’t ring constantly, the bell will likely be used during special moments — like Sunday services or community events.

Another unique feature of the tower will be the 

Families and supporters will be able to donate bricks with their names engraved on them.

The idea is that the tower will serve as a kind of 

, capturing a snapshot of the people who were part of the Carlton Landing community when the tower was built.

Years from now, visitors will be able to walk through the tower and see the names of families who helped make it possible.

Construction is already underway, and the hope is for the bell tower to be completed sometime this spring.

If all goes according to plan, it could even be ready around Easter — though spring weather may affect the timeline.

Either way, by summer the tower should be fully completed and ready for visitors to walk through.

Carlton Landing has always been intentional about thoughtful design and community spaces.

It will be a place people pass through on their way to church, pause beneath on a walk through town, or simply notice as they arrive in Carlton Landing for the first time.

And when the bell rings, it will add one more small but meaningful detail to the life of the town.

Listen to episode 41 on Spotify HERE and Apple Podcast HERE.

The Bell Tower Coming to Carlton Landing

Design, Inspiration, and the Story Behind It

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The Lodge on Twinkle Lane – Your Carlton Landing Escape

The Lodge on Twinkle Lane

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Adam and I grew up in Oklahoma, met at OU and moved to Fort Worth, TX after we married. We have 3 amazing teens & have always dreamed of owning a cabin in the woods of SE OK where I grew up. We wanted a place to escape & connect as a family, especially during the teen years when we need a strong family connection more than ever. 

When we stumbled across Carlton Landing & then The Lodge, it felt like home. It's the "cabin" we always wanted, but in the middle of the most family-friendly community that offers all we need to spend quality time with our kids.

Family's that play and laugh together STAY together, so we've stocked The Lodge with all you'll need to have fun at home and around CL. There's always more tasks to complete- I love that CL helps me remember that people matter most. Our time at Carlton Landing has blessed our family more than we ever imagined and we hope it does the same for yours!

The Bell Tower Coming to Carlton Landing

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