Sometime in the early to mid 70's, while Chris Badger was directing the Youth Choir and Ruth Ann Ludwig was the accompanist, they attended a music conference at Montreat. This was their first exposure to handbells, and they decided that this would be a great addition to Bethel’s music program. That fall, Chris bought two octaves of handbells and taught members of the youth choir to ring. She purchased a third octave a year or two later, and a fourth octave was purchased after that. Some ladies wanted to learn to ring. Since they wanted to practice in the afternoon and Chris was working, Ruth Ann directed that group and after their practice, they would have tea.
Chris retired in 2012, and Jackie Rylander began leading the handbell choir. The group consisted of youth and adults, many of whom claimed to be non-music readers. Jackie moved to Oak Ridge in 2018.
All interested folks are invited to take part.
