Breaking a world record, for a great cause
Written by Julie Borgen, Twin Cities media relations director for The Salvation Army Northern Division
After playing and promoting handbells for more than 40 years, it takes a lot to impress Bill Mathis (pictured, right)
. He leads Bells of the Lakes, a handbell ensemble he founded at Hennepin Ave. Methodist Church in Minneapolis in 1996.
“The only other original member retired over the summer – I am the last vestige of that group,” Mathis said.
Over the years he has led fellow musicians through countless practices, performances and festivals. But on Nov. 19, he will be among 700 handbell musicians to break a Guiness World Record at the Mall of America in an event aptly named “The Big Ring”.
The musicians will play an original, 5-minute piece in the rotunda at the mall. If successful, they will shatter the previous Guinness record of 560 handbell musicians, set in Japan in 2013.
“It’s a cool idea,” Mathis said. “I am really glad we’re not in charge – it was a huge undertaking to put this together.”
The Handbell Musicians of America recruited the handbell players, who are traveling to Minnesota from 23 states and Canada to be part of the big day. More than 500 local musicians will play, too, including dozens who gathered in Plymouth last weekend to practice at Church of the Epiphany Episcopal (pictured, left).
What makes this day truly special, Mathis says, is that the event kicks off The Salvation Army’s bell ringing season in the Twin Cities and will encourage people to sign up as volunteer bell ringers.
“It’s such a fun and perfect connection,” he explained.
The iconic red kettles are responsible for bringing in $3 million of the Army’s $11.6 million Christmas goal in the Twin Cities this year.
“We hope this record-breaking event reminds people that volunteer bell ringers are key to our success during Christmas,” said Lt. Col. Lonneal Richardson, leader of The Salvation Army Northern Division.
Mathis said helping to spread that message is what makes The Big Ring even more meaningful.
“We love that it’s for such a great cause,” he explained. “We’re not just breaking a world record, but supporting The Salvation Army.”
Please join The Salvation Army by volunteering to bell ring or making a donation to support your local community.