In the early 1900’s, Brookland maintained the status of America’s “Little Rome.”  Residents in the neighborhood grew accustomed to the ringing of church bells.  In 1921, Anna M. Du Brul, then a student at Trinity College, wrote a poem celebrating these religious rings:

The Bells of Brookland

When dewdrops glisten in each flower

O’er earth the sun holds sway.

It is the Angel’s glad reveille

The birds are on the wing;

God gives us yet another day,

The Bells of Brookland ring.

And then again at high noon hour

They bid us stop to pray,

To thank God has His blessings shower

Upon us through westay.

O Come adore, twas at mid-day

They crucified the King,

And bend thy knee to homage pay,

The Bells of Brookland ring.

At eventide all wee things cower

Each deepening sunset ray

Reflects the Great Creator’s power

Brings rest from work and play. 

The Angelus once more today,

And now ‘tis evening
And “De profundis, Domine”

The Bells of Brookland ring.

L’ENVOI

O monks, who mark the day

By Aves as you sing,

Reminders of His service may

The Bells of Brookland ring