Center Brunswick
United Methodist Church
Bell Choir
Easter Sunday
Bell Choir Director
The HANDBELL CHOIR has been in existence since September 1997. Lorraine Looney, a church member, had a dream to have a Handbell Choir at Center Brunswick so she worked very hard to raise the funds to buy our first 2-0ctave set of bells. It began under the direction of Kathleen Looney (Lorraine’s daughter). We have since been able to purchase a third octave and Hand Chimes were added as well.
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In 2002, Kathy Hoffman became director and is currently in that position.
We play for church holidays as well as at various places in the community. In 2006, we began a “Bonanza Bells” tradition. It is during the service on the first Sunday in May.
It was created in response to the membership wanting to hear more bell music. The bell choir plays all music except hymns during this service.
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The bell choir is an integral part of the life of the church as well as a part of the community.
Bell Choir Start History
The bell choir was officially established in September of 1997 under the capable and enthusiastic direction of Kathleen Looney Burden. Her leadership laid a strong foundation for the group, fostering both musical growth and a deep sense of fellowship. Kathleen faithfully directed the choir until 2002, at which point I was honored to assume the role of director—a position I have held to the present day.
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During our most active years, the bell choir was a cherished part of the worship experience, regularly enhancing services with the beauty and reverence of handbell music. Beyond the church walls, we were often invited to participate in community events, sharing our ministry and music with a wider audience. Those were truly special times filled with joy, purpose, and the unmistakable ring of unity.
Our ensemble is fortunate to possess three full octaves of handbells as well as three octaves of handchimes, allowing us to perform a broad repertoire with depth and expression.
Though the years have passed, the spirit of the bell choir endures—echoing in every note we've played and in the memories we've created together.
Let me know if you'd like to include specific performances or members—adding those could deepen the nostalgia even more.
