Sanctuary Bells

A group with strong tradition at First Baptist Church is our adult English handbell choir, the Sanctuary Bells . Now a full five-octave bell choir (60 bells), membership is determined by an audition process, with the ability to read music being pre-requisite to audition. It can have a membership from 12 to 15 ringers, depending on the complexity of the music.

Initially started as a three-octave bell choir in the seventies, additional octaves, and even single bells, have been added as was financially feasible. The cost of individual bells range from $125 a piece for the higher octave bells, to over $1,000 a piece for the lower octave bells. This cost factor explains why it's taken as long as it has to grow the number of bells we have.

In the not too distant past, only five-octaves of bells were available. Now, however, you can purchase six-octaves-plus. Plans are to slowly continue widening the number of bells we own and use at First Baptist. Short of the organ and piano, there is probably no other instrument that is more closely associated with church and religious worship practices than bells.

Directed by Annette Morrison , Administrative Assistant within the Music Ministry (and wife to minister of music Bob Morrison), the group rehearses each Sunday at 5:00 PM. They share regularly in the Blended-Traditional Service once a month.

Anyone interested in ringing in the Sanctuary Bells should see Annette; as positions become vacated, then your name will already be on the waiting list of people who want to audition. Be aware up front, however, that total commitment to regular attendance in rehearsals is essential. It's almost impossible to have a productive rehearsal when players are absent. But, there's not another group that has a better fellowship and singleness of purpose than the Sanctuary Bells. It would, indeed, be a high point in your week!

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