Elim Lutheran Church was gifted a three octave set of Malmark Handbells in 2006. Each bell is dedicated to family members of the donors. The C4 bell has a quote from Psalm 145, verse 4: “One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.” While the composition of bell choir members has changed over the last eighteen years, all ringers have shown talent, willingness to learn, dedication and perseverance.
The bell choir has had two directors and has played regularly for worship and for special occasions. An additional octave of bells was added in 2022 (minus sharps and flats). Young ringers (ages 7-10) have rung at the completion of Vacation Bible School and the choir has rung at the prison in Shelton WA. The choir also played for Elim’s 100th year anniversary worship and for the installment of Pastor Chris Nolte.
The ringers are a blessing in my life!!
– Myrna Robinson, Director in Training of Elim Handbell Choir
Currently, one of the original members is still with the choir (Dorothy Sandberg). Two families are father/son combinations (James and Levi Harrison and Brian Lyman and Jack Langley). In the past, there were two sets of mother and son were ringers. Age range is from 10 to 80 years (Leta Oliver and Tony Anelli). Sue Coste came to Elim from Spirit of Life Lutheran Church which also has a set of handbells. And, of course, Adele Fisher who has made countless contributions to Elim life and mission.
The Elim Lutheran Church bell choir rings in praise and worship to the loving and gracious God who has profoundly blessed us in worship and in our daily lives.