Appealing work

Cathedral continues an age-old bell ringing tradition

The jangle of the bells from the tower at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Little Rock fills the air every Sunday morning, calling the faithful to worship. The majestic ringing heard throughout the neighborhood and beyond isn’t recorded music as in many churches today. These huge bronze bells, each weighing hundreds of pounds, are rung by members of the Trinity Cathedral Ringing Society.

About the bells

The bells at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral were cast by the famous Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London in 1987. The foundry is also the maker of the Liberty Bell and Big Ben, the largest ever cast there at a weight of 13 tons. The cathedral’s ring of eight bells was installed in 1988.

Unfulfilled quest

Adventurer makes it to Mount Ararat, but doesn’t find ark

Standing atop Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey this summer, Maumelle’s Holt Condren was certain the legendary Noah’s ark lay beneath the frozen summit. A mere 16 feet of snow and ice separated him from what could have been the archaeological find of a lifetime.

God’s Girlz dolls foster modesty, faith

Turned off by the risque clothing and sultry, “come hither” looks of other fashion dolls, designers at Kerusso decided to make their own. Modesty was high on the list of priorities for the Berryville-based company, but so was fashion appeal.

Bible Belt fertile soil for Judaism

‘Blossoming’ of Northwest Arkansas congregations surprises author visiting synagogues across the globe.

While traveling the globe on a quest to understand his Jewish roots, author Charles London discovered a thriving community where he least expected it — Bentonville. A New York-based writer, London stumbled across the Benton County synagogue by luck.

SHINING a light

EPA energyefficiency award illuminates Springdale church’s good stewardship

The Environmental Protection Agency worries about conserving fuel, not saving souls.

Making a joyful noise

The sounds of pets will join the praises Sunday as St. Paul's Episcopal Church debuts a service honoring St. Francis.

Sunday morning there will be pooches in the pews at St. Paul's Episcopal Church as the congregation adds a little "woof" to its early worship service.

Flu threat alters Communion rite

Amid the handshakes, hugs and the sharing of a Communion cup the swine flu could be lurking, so churches across the state are taking precautions.

Insurance agent offers risk-reduction seminars

When it comes to assessing risk, Michael Russell is an expert. As an insurance agent it's his job to reduce liability for his clients and he's sharing his expertise with houses of worship at protectmychurch.org.

Churches weigh security and open access

With its red doors open wide, Christ Episcopal Church offers a sacred haven for workers in downtown Little Rock. The doors, flung open during the day, are a silent invitation to step inside, sit and pray.