Community members of all ages spilled from the front lawn of All Saints’ Cathedral onto the road and into Kings Parade.

Vintage cars lined the street in keeping with the historic nature of the ambitious project.

Dean Andrew Sempell welcomed the Governor of NSW Professor Marie Bashir, who was in Bathurst to officially open the bell tower.

“It is such a pleasure to get to this day and see the fruition of so much work by so many,” Dean Sempell said.

The tower’s architect, Henry Bialowas, and builder, Robert Barlow representing Tablelands Builders, officially handed the bell tower over to All Saints’ Cathedral and the people of Bathurst.

Then Professor Bashir began her gracious address.

She spoke of the return of All Saints’ Cathedral’s glorious bells to preside in their handsome new bell tower and Bathurst’s incomparable community spirit.

“We can never forget that this further embellishment of this fine historic city is a representation of our long Christian faith,” she said.

“The project is indeed an epic one at which we can marvel in gratitude.”

Professor Bashir spoke of the meticulous restoration of the historic bells and the enrichment of a further three new bells.

“Creativity has flourished and extraordinary challenges overcome,” she said.

The Governor also spoke of the community’s incredible generosity, even in a crushing drought.

“I speak of the generosity of those who bought a paver, those who bought a bell,” she said.

Professor Bashir added that even though the bell tower is on the grounds of an Anglican cathedral the bells rang for the first time to celebrate the ordination of a Catholic bishop.

“This is evidence of the loving spirit that pervades and graces this great city,” she said.

“It is our great joy to share in this.”

As Professor Bashir cut the ribbon Dean Sempell prayed.

“Not to us Lord, not to us, but to your name give the glory.”

Bishop Richard Hurford then dedicated the bells.