The current bells of Notre Dame in Paris have rung since 1856. Now, there’s a big controversy about replacing them…. My hope: that the current bells at least find a place where their history can be enjoyed by all (a church or museum?). http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/19/world/europe/in-paris-bells-at-notre-dame-will-be-replaced.html?emc=eta1
I heard in an NPR story that the bells being removed will be melted down and the metal used in the making of the new replacement bells and that this is customary in most church bell replacement projects. I was glad to hear it.