NAGCR Annual General Meeting 2024

Approximately 75 ringers and 25 guests ascended “the Mountain” to partake in the North American Guild of Change Ringers (NAGCR)’s 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) hosted by the University of the South and the Sewanee Guild of Change Ringers from October 17 to 21, 2024. The weather was at Sewanee’s best, and what a good time was had by everyone!

Visiting ringers began arriving two days before the AGM, and some stayed a few days afterward. Ringing in Breslin Tower officially began at 1:00 pm on Thursday, October 17, and finished with a successful Full Peal on Monday afternoon of October 21, 2024. 

The Bentley Bells in Breslin Tower rang continuously during the day and into the night on Sunday when there was a Full Peal attempt by five Sewanee ringers led by Ed Futcher. Four ringers were Sewanee alumnae who returned to Sewanee for the AGM. Unfortunately, blisters got in the way of success, and only a half peal was rung. 

Breslin’s ringing room was typically filled and the Green Room one floor down was a popular congregation spot. Convocation Hall served as the common gathering place where two video monitors, one showing the ringing room and the other the belfry, proved to be a big attraction for members as well as visitors.

Handbell ringers performed at a community event in All Saints Chapel on Saturday, and at the Parish Church of St. Mark and St. Paul on the Mountain and Morton Memorial United Methodist Church on Sunday. The handbell ringers at St. Mark & St. Paul’s rang during the Eucharist accompanied by impromptu soft background organ music, a very moving experience for both the ringers and the parishioners.

Other activities included classroom sessions on Friday, walking tours of the campus and the University cemetery, and short hikes to two favorite Sewanee locations. Social events included an outdoor reception in Guerry Garth on Friday evening and the annual banquet in Convocation Hall on Saturday.

The banquet also celebrated the 20th anniversary of the installation of the Bentley Bells, and gratitude was expressed to the namesake of Bell #5, Laura Goggans, for her grandparents’ generosity in gifting the Bentley Bells to Sewanee.

Ray Gotko was honored during the banquet by the Sewanee Guild of Change Ringers, past and current, for his remarkable accomplishments promoting change ringing in Sewanee. 

The NAGCR's annual meeting, presided by President Eileen Butler, was attended by 73 members,  including six participants on Zoom, representing over 20 Towers. Eileen reported that the NAGCR is continuing its resurgence since Covid and that for many attendees this was their first annual meeting.

The Sewanee Guild of Change Ringers extends its appreciation to all who attended the 2024 AGM. It was a memorable opportunity for the Sewanee ringers and the University community, as well as interested visitors, to hear world-class ringing.