Handbells were first used in the early 18th century in England.  They were primarily developed to give the church tower bell ringers a convenient instrument on which to practice
 (it's quite difficult to practice a tower bell quietly).

The bells are cast of bronze, 80% copper and 20% tin.

A brief history at Brooklyn:
The church was able to purchase 2 octaves of bells in 1981.
1981 - The Adult Handbell choir began on June 21st.
            Marie Persinger, director
1981 - The two kids Handbell choirs began on June 28th.
          Jan Potasnak, director 7-12th grade bells
          Gloria Wesloh, director 5-6th grade bells
1982 - Feb.14, campaign launched to raise money for another octave of bells.
1985 - Bunny Rice, director (Celebration Bells - Adult, Golden Bells - youth)
1986 - Theresa Akervik, director of Golden Bells
          Margaret Clyde, director of Celebration Bells
1988 - Beth Nash, director of Golden Bells
1990 - Leslie Mennenga, director of Golden Bells
1992 - Tony Ricci - director of Celebration Bells
1994 - Golden Bells becomes Jubilee Ringers
1997 - Jan Potasnak, director Jubilee Ringers
2000 - Jubilee Ringers disbanded
2002 - Celebration Bells disbanded