SURFSIDE, SC (WBTW) The ever familiar sound of the season rings out from the Church of the Resurrection in Surfside. A literal Carol of the Bells in perfect pitch.
“One of the things that’s unique about hand bells is you don’t play hand bells alone,” The Church of the Resurrection bell ringer Pat Meriwether said. “I can take a bell and stand alone and I don’t make music but as a team we make beautiful music together.”
The different ringers come from varying musical backgrounds. Pat grew up playing accordion and joined the group after hearing the sound while sitting in the congregation
“I felt that I was called to serve in that way,” Meriwether said.
Lynn had never played an instrument before but picked up quickly in an activity both women say is a wonderful way to relax.
“It is such a stress buster,” The Church of the Resurrection bell ringer Lynn Roman said. “If you have any problem or issues just come in here and play bells and you won’t even think about them. By the time you are finished they are all gone.”
The countdown from director Karen Kearney begins as the group prepares for their upcoming Christmas performances. The final touches being placed on a program perfect for this time of year.
“I don’t think there’s a person that doesn’t think of Christmas Eve and the chiming of the church bells,” Meriwether said. “In a way we are bringing that bell ringing to praise of God.”
The Church of the Resurrection Hand Bell Choir performs this Saturday December 5 at the Atalaya Holiday Celebration inside Huntington Beach State Park. The event runs from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The bell choir is scheduled to perform at one p.m.
They will also play at the Sunday service week. It is a special Christmas Advent Lessons and Carols program. The service starts at 4 p.m. The Church of the Resurrection is located at 8901 Highway 17 Bypass in Surfside.
The group is also always looking for new members.
