THE FIRST HAND BELLS-
In order to practice change ringing without being subjected to the climatic changes in the tower, or without being offensive to the local people, small hand-held wooden bells were made. In 1660 William and Robert Cor of the Wiltshire (England) Foundry cast the first tuned bronze hand bells. These bells were made with leather pegs in the clapper head and a spring action that prevented the clapper from resting on the side of the casting. These hand bells were first used to practice changes for the tower bells, but ringers soon became interested in using the bells to ring melodies. Simple arrangements of hymns and folk songs began to appear, written for newly formed bell bands. By the end of the eighteenth century, nearly every village in England had its own hand bell band.
HAND BELLS IN THE UNITED STATES -
Hand bells were brought to the United States in 1845 by P. T. Barnum. Well known as a showman and entrepreneur, Barnum was impressed by a group of English ringers and saw an opportunity to introduce a new art form to the United States. To make this a profitable venture, he dressed the ringers in Swiss costumes, giving them a colorful and theatrical appearance, and toured them throughout the country. To this day many people believe that hand bells originated in Switzerland and not in England. This lasting misconception is certainly a tribute to the marketing genius of Barnum.
During the early 1900s the tower bells in Boston's Old North Church were in need of repair. Church members Margaret Shurcliff and her father were interested in restoring the bells, and made several trips to England to learn what was required to repair them. While on one of these fact-finding trips in 1923, Mrs. Shurcliff became the first American to ring a peal in an English tower. In honor of this occasion the Whitechapel Foundry presented her with a set of hand bells to take to the United States. Soon afterward she organized a group of family members and friends from Boston into the "Beacon Hill Ringers." This was indeed the first American hand bell choir.
Prior to 1940 all hand bell choirs were privately sponsored. The first church hand bell choir was in the First Presbyterian Church of New York City, and was directed by Doris Watson. in 1959 Dr. Watson wrote The Hand bell Choir, one of the earliest publications available to hand bell directors.
HAND BELLS TODAY
The art of English hand bell ringing is recognized today as both an excellent tool for music education and a viable ensemble instrument in the school and church. Numerous community choirs have been formed also, providing people with the opportunity to ring outside the church or school setting.
The art of hand bell ringing is also spreading around the world. Other countries are developing choirs, and there is an increasing interest in sharing through international festivals and tours. Hand bell guilds have been organized in many countries in support of this international growth. In America, bells are being added to marching bands, orchestras, parades and are often combined with a variety of other instruments.
As far as the future of hand bells is concerned, they are likely to continue to be popular. Moreover, it is reasonable to expect that hand bell ringing will continue to involve a cross section of people around the world.
THE HANDBELL CHOIR AT FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH -
The Handbell Choir is a dedicated group of musicians who meet for rehearsal on Sunday Mornings before service at 8:00AM. The Handbell Choir adds vibrance to the music program at The Big Red Church. This Choir performs throughout the liturgical year with special music during selected Sunday Morning Worship Services. They are also among the featured musicians at the Celebration of Christmas Concert held each year during Advent.
