BELLS OF HOPE

The COGS Handbell Choir, named the “Bells of Hope,” plays music during Sunday services from October through Easter of each year. Additionally, this ministry performs special concerts at many community centers, schools, and assisted living facilities. Their annual Choir Sing, traditionally held on the last Sunday before Christmas (Advent IV) each year, is a seasonal highlight.

The handbell choir is generally open to individuals who are willing to make the commitment to serve in this ministry from October to May. The ability to read music is helpful but not required. Please contact Pat Cates for information.

Handbell History

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In November 1989 Carol Alexander, Music Director at Good Shepherd, purchased a three octave set of White Chapel handbells for the Parish in memory of her daughter Susan Hope Alexander. The bells received extensive use during Ms. Alexander’s tenue and were then stored and saw little use.

In 2014 Pat and Carol Cates joined Good Shepherd. Pat had previously directed handbells at First Presbyterian Church in Marietta, Georgia. Soon after they joined they organized a handbell choir. Through word of mouth and announcements in the bulletin a group of ringers assembled and began rehearsals. Most of the group had never rung handbells before, but all were excited to learn. One of the first tasks of the group was to select a name. Bells of Hope was chosen in honor of Carol Alexander’s daughter. Soon the Bells of Hope were ringing in worship and new ringers continued to be added to the group as the excitement of hearing the handbells was heard throughout the Sanctuary. In 2015 the first Carol Sing was held, and it was an immediate success. There were handbell selections and many Carols were sung. In addition, there were other musicians (trumpet and percussion) and organist, Bob Shone.

The Bells of Hope have continued to add handbells to their set. White Chapel handbells are manufactured in England, and it was sometimes a challenge to get new bells as the factory is having financial difficulties. An additional octave of the higher handbells has been added. A G7 was purchased in honor of Judy Warner’s service on the Vestry, and our lowest handbell, the G3, was purchased in memory of Eddie Love, a ringer who rang with the group for several years.
As the group became more experienced there were opportunities for ringing outside the church. The Bells of Hope have been part of Christmas concerts at the Dunedin Community Center and Edgewater Arms. A concert was held at Mease Manor in addition to ringing for the Athenian Academy in Clearwater.

The Bells of Hope continue to enhance the worship at Good Shepherd even during the pandemic. Ringers from the local Methodist, Lutheran and Presbyterian churches have rung with us during the Christmas and Easter seasons. Organist Bob Moncrief played with the group on a number of occasions and current organist, Tom Huffman, is continuing that tradition.

This is your opportunity to personally RISE UP SINGING PRAISE! You will be an inspiring blessing to
many, and God will bless your dedicated efforts.

Please consider becoming a member of our musical family.