Handbells

Bells began ringing at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church for the first time in the Spring of 2003 when we purchased a three octave set of Schulmerich handbells. After teaching the basics of bell ringing to interested people from our congregation, the Cumberland Ringers and the Hallelujah Handbells were established and soon began playing for worship services. Thanks to the generosity of many from our congregation, we now own five octaves of bells and a four octave set of handchimes.

We’ve come a long way over the past several years. We now have two accomplished groups of ringers who play music which incorporates the latest trends in handbell techniques, as well as arrangements which combine handbells and handchimes. The Cumberland Ringers, directed by Joy Rachor, rehearse on Thursday afternoons from 4:15 – 5:20. The Hallelujah Handbells, directed by Christy Huddleston, rehearse from 5:30 – 6:45 pm on Thursdays. Recently, four of our ringers who enjoy the challenge of playing multiple bells formed a quartet known as the Southern Belles.

From time to time, our ringers join forces with the organist, pianist, and choir in presenting special hymn arrangements which are always well received by the congregation. We are also most fortunate to have an expert solo ringer in our midst. Christy Huddleston wows us with her special talent from time to time as she plays up to three octaves of bells all by herself. Our church also sponsors The Freedom Ringers, a community handbell choir which performs at the annual Patriotic Service presented each summer by our music/drama ministry.

Worship itself is a purpose which has two main components - the spoken word and music. Music must stir the listener’s emotions in order to be meaningful. With the sheer beauty of their unique expression, handbells do this through both sight and sound. Whether it’s one ringer, four ringers, or a choir of twelve, handbells certainly enhance worship, appealing to the religious emotions inherent in all of us.

“Music is God’s best gift to man; the only art of heaven given to earth, the only art of earth we take to heaven.” ---Walter Savage Lander

The Cumberland Ringers	Hallelujah Handbells
Southern Belles	Christy Huddleston