The Jackson Memorial Carillon was built in 1954 by the members of First Presbyterian Church and the citizens of Jackson and Madison County to express the community's gratitude for the service rendered by its sons and daughters in the two world conflicts. It is one of only four carillons in the entire state of Tennessee.

The carillon consists of 47 bells cast of bronze and suspended by massive wooden timbers. The bells were cast at the Paccard foundry in France, and the Jackson Memorial Carillon is the first carillon in the United States whose bells were cast entirely by Paccard. The bells range in size from 5,060 pounds and 6' 1" in diameter to 25 pounds and 8 1/4" in diameter. The carillonneur (bell ringer) creates the unique musical expressions from a wooden clavier (keyboard) that is housed in a room between two sections of bells in the tower (the five lowest bells beneath the playing room, and the rest above). This arrangement allows the carillonneur complete control over the full range of bells. The playing clavier is designed much like an organ console where the player uses both hands and feet to play. Batons, which are struck with the open fists, and pedals, which are struck by the feet are directly linked by a series of stainless steel trackers to each of the clappers on the inside of each bell. The great skill required of the carillonneur is the ability to strike the batons (which in turn allow the corresponding bells to play) with just the right force so as to produce a beautiful tone from the heaviest and lightest of bells.

The Jackson Memorial Carillon is regularly played for the annual Starlight Symphony concert held on the grounds of First Presbyterian Church. It is also an instrument that calls the church to worship each Sunday with the addition of an automatic chime and bell peal mechanism. It is also played regularly for weddings, funerals and memorial services and special concerts throughout the year.