Handbells ring to spread message of Mental Health Association of Macon County

Posted on February 3, 2009
Filed Under Concerts, News | 1 Comment

Repost from: Herald and Review

Link to story: http://www.herald-review.com/articles/2009/01/31/life/features/1038836.txt

DECATUR – The bell has long been a symbol of hope for overcoming mental illness.

A 300-pound version, cast from chains and shackles discarded by asylums in the 1950s, has been displayed for more than 60 years at the Alexandria, Va., headquarters of the National Mental Health Association, now known as Mental Health America.

So what better way than bells to raise awareness about what its affiliate in Macon County does, raise a bit of money on its behalf and raise some spirits along the way?

That’s what Sherri Arnold, executive director of the Mental Health Association of Macon County, got to thinking.

And when she brought the idea to the director of handbell choirs at her church, Barbara Keagle of First Presbyterian Church, a winter handbell concert began to take shape.

“Handbell choirs are one of the best-hidden musical treasures of Decatur,” Keagle said. “They are so cheering, why not show them off during a time when it’s dark and dreary?”

Groups from six Decatur congregations have agreed to help make the joyful noise: First Baptist Church, First Congregational United Church of Christ, First Lutheran Church, First United Methodist Church and Sts. James and Patrick Parish, in addition to First Presbyterian.

“It’s great to see churches and musicians coming together to support this ministry,” said Mike Waltenberger, music director at First Baptist.

Hadi Gibbons, director of the handbell choir at First United Methodist, said the event should also help the choirs build an audience. “It’s hard for any one of these groups to prepare enough music for an entire concert on their own,” she said.

Arnold said she’s thrilled so many churches are joining in. “The groups are also being kind enough to allow us to talk during the interludes between the choirs so we can educate people about our programs and history,” she said.

Organized in 1955 and funded by the United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois, the Mental Health Association of Macon County provides free depression and anxiety screenings, suicide prevention presentations for grades seven through 12 and on-site services to schools after the death of a student, teacher, staff member or parent.

First Presbyterian plans to send both its handbell choirs, the Tower Ringers and the Church Street Bells, to perform.

Jane Spires of Decatur, a member of both choirs, said playing handbells – which often means ringing four or more depending on the piece – is a great way to keep your mind sharp. Her colleague H.R. Glenn, also of Decatur, said she is looking forward to the concert.

“You learn a lot from seeing what others are playing,” Glenn said. “It’s also for a good cause.”

A trio of ringers from First Presbyterian made up of Spires, Keagle and Kay Mason will also play “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” with each scurrying back and forth to ring the necessary bells.

“Playing is always a lot of fun,” Spires said, “but that one’s almost aerobic.”

tchurchill@herald-review.com|421-7978

If you go

WHAT: Handbell choir benefit concert.

THEME: “Tintinnabulation! n. The ringing or sounding of bells.”

WHEN: 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8.

WHERE: First Baptist Church, 1320 Arbor Drive.

COST: Free, with offering benefiting the Mental Health Association of Macon County.

Comments

Copyright © 2007 Handbell News • Using Modernpaper theme created by Performancing