Our handbell choir began in 1987 under the direction of Mrs. Betty J. Ashley. Prospective bell ringers raised the funds for the 4-octave set of Schulmerich bells, stands, tables, and music by having yard sales, bake sales, selling Fuller Brush products, and acquiring donations. This began the growth of the music department at Grace.

Ultimately two handbell choirs were formed, "The Bells of Grace" and "The Bell Ensemble". The Bells Of Grace consists of twelve ringers and play four octaves of bells. This diverse group was composed of three school teachers, a paralegal, home health clerical, guidance counselor, hair stylist, realtor, two college students, dental assistant, xray technician, and retail manager. This group rehearses every Sunday night and travels in concert.

The Bell Ensemble disbanded and then reorganized as Silver Bells Tone Chimes, with all ringers of all ages in 2004.

In an  effort to continue the ministry of music through concerts on mission trips, they continue to raise funds throughout the year.( The Bells Of Grace are financially independent of the church budget.) Annuals fundraisers include spaghetti suppers, pecan sales, luncheon/fashion shows, mother-daughter banquets, and bake sales for Men's Club barbeque dinners. This pays for bell maintenance, equipment purchases, bus travel, motel expenses and meals while on the road.

Since the bell concert is a gift to those who hear it, no offering is collected. If the host church wishes to collect an offering for its own church program, we welcome that. The visit is meant to be a blessing and not a financial burden. Many host churches have fed the choir afterwards, usually a covered dish. This gives them the wonderful opportunity to personally fellowship with the members of the congregation.

Since 1988 the bells have gone on tour in eight states, and traveled more than 15,000 miles on missions trips. Four Bells of Grace ringers were part of the Anderson District Volunteers In Mission trip to Mexico, a ten day trip in June 1999. Days were spent building houses and painting; evenings were in concert at various churches in the Chihuahua district.

Throughout the year the bells play for nursing homes, Methodist retirement centers, weddings, civic club meetings, community events, the Governor's Carolighting in Columbia, festivals, and other churches in the area. 

The Bells of Grace have participated in several massed ringings, such as this one in Charlotte.	The Bell Ensemble rings for residents of the Wesley Commons in Greenwood.

Bell Choir Directors

Since the start of the handbell program Grace has had 6 directors. Mrs. Betty J. Ashley created the program and developed it to be a progressive level 4-5 performance group. She took the choirs on missions trips to Eastern Kentucky, West Virginia (twice), Florida, Virginia, various locations in South Carolina and even Mexico. She retired in 1995.

Mother of the Bell Choir - Mrs. Betty Ashley

Upon Mrs. Ashley's retirement, Mrs. Paula H. Owens took over the reigns until 2001. 
Steve Ellison became interim director until this position was filled by Mrs. Cheri Wentzel in May of 2002. 

In 2004 Mrs. Lori Gourdin directed the bells and took them to Savannah to participate in 2 River Festivals. Upon her departure, Mrs. Marilyn Gromlovits assumed her position in June 2007. 

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