Garrison Church

In 1732, Prussian King Frederick William I, also known as "The Soldier King" ordered a church to be built in Potsdam to be used by elite soldiers. In 1736, they installed a carillon of 40 bells in the steeple of the church. In 1796, Queen Louise asked for two hymns from the bell and for the next 149 years, the Carillon played "Bless the Lord" on top and "Always Faithful and True" at the bottom of every hour. It became world famous and "Always Faithful and True" became the unofficial national anthem of Prussia. On the night of April 14-15, 1945, Potsdam was the target of a British air raid. The tower was on fire, but the chime kept playing Prussia's favorite song, until it fell to the ground.