KENT—A quick response to an appeal for funds to restore St. Andrew Church’s handbells has resulted in the restoration of 20 of the 24 bells in the collection. Although the bells are already being pressed into duty to accompany the choir during Sunday services, there will be a formal dedication in the fall.
Sponsors are sought to donate toward the restoration of the last four bells. The cost of restoration is $165 per bell, but any amount would be appreciated. Parishioners can drop checks in the collection basket at either the 8:30 or 10:30 a.m. service or send them directly to St. Andrew’s Parish, PO Box 309, Kent, CT 06757, marked with “bell sponsorship.”
The bells, originally owned by Harlem Valley State Hospital in Wingdale, N.Y., have been owned by the parish since the early 1990s. They were largely unused until Music Director Susan Guse was inspired to create a bell choir for the Easter Service.
The three-octave set were rung at Easter for the prelude and four ringers accompanied the choir on one of the Easter anthems. They have also been used to intone the psalms sung at the 10:30 service.
Guse estimates the bells would cost $15,000 to $20,000 to replace today. Typically, bells are refurbished every five to 10 years, and St. Andrew’s bells have been long overdue. Guse said the bells had lost their tonal luster.
