MT. HOPE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Jubilate English Handbell Choir from Appalachian Bible College will embark on its annual two-week ministry tour May 2–17, 2026, bringing uplifting sacred music to churches and communities. The 2026 program, titled “Hallelujah! Amen!”, features a powerful selection of handbell arrangements that proclaim God’s goodness and call believers to joyful praise and exultation.
This year’s tour holds special meaning as Appalachian Bible College celebrates its 75th anniversary. Founded in 1950, ABC has spent three-quarters of a century preparing biblically trained servants for ministry and equipping students with a heart for service “Because Life is for Service.” The Jubilate ministry beautifully embodies this mission, using the resonant sound of a five-octave set of English handbells to share the gospel and encourage the Church.
For decades, Jubilate has traveled across the country each May following commencement, ministering in churches, schools, and other venues through the beauty and precision of handbell music, often combined with singing, instruments, and drama. Past tours have taken the ensemble to states including Illinois, Kansas, and Colorado, as well as many churches across West Virginia and the broader ABC constituency. The team also regularly participates in campus events such as chapels, Christmas concerts, the Spring Music Festival, and prison ministry at Mount Olive Correctional Complex.
Directed by Mrs. Rosalie Anderson with assistance from Dr. Rebekah Anderson-Rowe, the 2026 ensemble includes talented ABC students representing diverse backgrounds and future ministries: Rolando Avendano (Pastoral, Quebec, Canada), Holly Ezaki (Elementary Education, Japan), Havilah Greenwood (Biblical Counseling, Madison, VA), Olivia McCracken (Elementary Education, Beckley, WV), Jaimie Morrell (Interdisciplinary, Argentina), Sheldon Morrell (Organizational Management, Argentina), Noah Smith (Music, St. Robert, MO), Micah Waggoner (Pastoral, Delavan, IL), and Abigail Walz (Biblical Counseling, Logan, OH). The choir is supported by Dr. Daniel L. Anderson, President, and Mr. Michael Rowe, Technical Assistant.
All concerts are free and open to the public. For the full 2026 tour itinerary, concert dates and locations, or more information, visit abc.edu or contact the college at 800.678.9222 or publicrelations@abc.edu.
