CAMDEN — The Chestnut Street Baptist Church hosted the Penobscot Bay Ringers in concert on May 14, a fundraising concert for the church's Save Our Steeple Fund. When the last bell had been rung, $2,246 had been collected for the cause.

Steeple fundraising chairman Jeff Foltz received a ceremonial "big check" from some of the ringers at a recent committee meeting.

"We are honored to have such wonderful musicians in our community who are willing to share their beautiful handbell music in support of Camden's iconic town landmark," said Foltz.

Penobscot Bay Ringers is a community handbell choir based in Camden. Founded in 2008, the group performs on five octaves of Malmark handbells and Choirchimes. For more information on the handbell choir, visit penobscotbayringers.me.

Save Our Steeple background:
Due to harsh weather and the effects of time, the Chestnut Street Baptist Church steeple has become structurally unsound. The Camden landmark has been home to the official town clock since 1868. Recent, significant foundation and framing work have stabilized major safety issues, but the steeple still requires extensive repairs. The church body has contributed a significant portion toward this effort, but funds are still needed to reach the committee's goal of raising a total of $538,000 to complete the restoration project.
For more information visit saveoursteeple.com or call Chestnut Street Baptist Church at 207-236-2195.