$30,000 bell set rings in a new era for Boundary Waters Choral Arts

The Ely Presbyterian Church recently received a three-octave set of handbells, a two-octave set of handchimes and four handbell tables, along with a number of mallets, table pads and more from the historic First Presbyterian Church in Hastings, Minnesota — but for free. 

The donation allowed Boundary Waters Choral Arts to launch the Ely Community Bell Choir, who took to the stage for the first time last Sunday at the Boundary Waters Choral Arts’ “I Hear America Singing” concert celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. 

“It’s almost a magical sound in my mind. It’s just so, so pretty,” said Wendy Norcross, who recently joined the bell choir.