Handbell Choirs

2025-2026 marks the 46th year of handbells in worship at House of Hope. There are opportunities for those who read music and meet weekly as well as those who want to participate occasionally and may not read music.

Handbells at the House of Hope
With nearly 50 years of history, the handbell program is multi-generational and the second-longest program in music for the congregation. The handbell program was established by a gift of 61 handbells made at the Whitechapel Foundry in Great Britain (the same foundry which cast the Liberty Bell). This gift by Richard and Peg Blumer was made to supplement the extensive choral program at the House of Hope. The handbell program has two sets of Whitechapel handbells and a set of choirchimes by the Malmark company.
The program is comprised of all volunteer ringers, with half the ensemble from this faith community and the other half are musicians from the wider Twin Cities community. The program offers three ensembles for ages junior high to adult. Descriptions of these ensembles are found below.
In its history, HOH ringers have been heard at the Presbyterian General Assembly, with the St Paul Civic Orchestra, at the visit of Mikhail Gorbachev to St. Paul, at the former Minneapolis Holidazzle Parade, several weddings, and participating in upper Midwest regional handbell conventions. The ringers also traveled to Poland and Jamaica. The ringers now focus on building a local presence through the Music and Mission projects (see description below).
Learning the art of handbell ringing is an enjoyable way to meet new friends, be inspired to create music, learn a new skill, and witness the impact of handbell sound on listeners. If you have an interest in learning more about handbells or joining one of the ensembles, contact Tim Short, music associate, or by telephone at (651) 223-7546.

The Ensembles

• The Bells of Hope is the largest group of handbell musicians. With a variety of talent, the ensemble provides musical offerings in worship each month from October to May and has an extended presence on a special Sunday morning service during the Christmas season: the Carols for Handbells and Harp. Rehearsals are weekly each Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m., September to May. To maintain the musical growth of this ensemble, interested ringers must have music-reading skills and a commitment to attend as many rehearsals as possible. Ringing techniques are easy to learn, and seasoned ringers are glad to help anyone who needs assistance. No audition is required, but an in-person meeting with the director helps to determine the placement of a new ringer into the ensemble.
• Sounds of Hope is a small ensemble created for ringers who commit to shorter rehearsals, with some coaching in music-reading skills and ringing techniques.
• The Sacred Bells meet six times a year, and gather on a Sunday morning to learn ringing patterns to supplement the hymns and prayers of the worship service that same day. No music reading skills are required.

Music in Mission
Music in Mission is the outreach program to the larger community. The handbell program partners with local congregations in providing service music for its worship twice annually. Also, the ringers promote their partnership with Keystone Communities with family, friends, and neighbors by collecting clean cloth bags, note pads, calendars, unused greeting cards, and white socks for weekly delivery to Keystone Communities. Donations are welcome at any time at the House of Hope by noting “Bells of Hope” with the donated items.

Noyes Memorial Carillon
If you like bells, be sure to click here to read about the 49-bell carillon housed in the bell tower.