Christian Brands
Christian Brands 3-Bell Brass Altar Bells
Set of three brass altar bells on a single handle, 5 1/2 inches wide and 5 inches high, item GC808, rung at the consecration.
Sacred Vessels & Metalware
Altar Bells
Altar bells, also called sanctus bells, are rung by a server at the consecration and at other moments of the Mass. Most are three or four brass bells fixed to one handle so they ring together. Sets here measure 5 1/2 to 8 1/2 inches wide and 4 to 5 1/2 inches high. Bells differ in count, in embossed or plain cups, in brass or wood handles, and in polished, lacquered or silver finish.
A three-bell set from Christian Brands or Classical Church Goods is the ordinary choice for a parish altar. Four-bell sets give a fuller chime that carries in a large church. The Classical Church Goods quad bells are the widest here at 8 1/2 inches. Wood handles from Trinity Church Supply are comfortable for younger servers. A single sacristy bell in silver finish signals the start of Mass from the sacristy door.
7 altar bells
The seven bell sets below include three-bell and four-bell altar bells and a four-cup sacristy bell, all in brass.
Religious Supply Center
Religious Supply Center 4-Bell Embossed Altar Bells
Four embossed brass bells on one handle, 6 1/4 inches wide and 4 3/4 inches high, item GC809, in a gold finish.
Trinity Church Supply
Trinity Church Supply 4-Bell Embossed Brass Altar Bells
Four embossed brass bells with a wooden handle, 6 1/4 by 4 3/4 inches, also listed under item number GC809.
Trinity Church Supply
Trinity Church Supply Solid Brass Altar Bells, 7 x 4 in
Solid brass altar bell set measuring 7 by 4 inches with a shaped handle, item G4519; the maker does not state the bell count.
Classical Church Goods
Classical Church Goods Triple Sanctus Bells, 8 1/4 in
Three polished and lacquered solid brass sanctus bells on a handle, 8 1/4 inches wide and 5 1/2 inches high, item CCG-39.
Classical Church Goods
Classical Church Goods Quad Sanctus Bells, 8 1/2 in
Four polished and lacquered solid brass bells on one handle, 8 1/2 inches wide and 5 1/2 inches tall, item CCG-348.
Christian Brands
Autom 4-Cup Sacristy Bell with Handle, Silver Tone
Four-cup brass bell in a silver finish with a handle, 8 inches by 4 1/2 inches high, item PS528, for sacristy or altar use.
Side by side
The specifications the makers publish, in one table.
| Product | Color | Size | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Brands 3-Bell Brass Altar Bells Christian Brands | Brass | 5 1/2" W x 5" H | Check availability |
| Religious Supply Center 4-Bell Embossed Altar Bells Religious Supply Center | Gold | 6 1/4" W x 4 3/4" H | Check availability |
| Trinity Church Supply 4-Bell Embossed Brass Altar Bells Trinity Church Supply | Gold | 6-1/4 Inch x 4-3/4 Inch | Check availability |
| Trinity Church Supply Solid Brass Altar Bells, 7 x 4 in Trinity Church Supply | — | — | Check availability |
| Classical Church Goods Triple Sanctus Bells, 8 1/4 in Classical Church Goods | Brass | — | Check availability |
| Classical Church Goods Quad Sanctus Bells, 8 1/2 in Classical Church Goods | Brass | — | Check availability |
| Autom 4-Cup Sacristy Bell with Handle, Silver Tone Christian Brands | Silver | 8 x 4 1/2" H | Check availability |
Questions before you order
Three bells or four?
Three bells give a clear, light chime suited to a chapel or a mid-sized church. Four bells produce a fuller sound that carries further in a long nave or a church with hard surfaces. Sets with more bells are also wider and heavier for a server to lift.
When are altar bells rung at Mass?
In the Roman Rite a server may ring the bell at the epiclesis and at each elevation during the Eucharistic Prayer. Some parishes also ring once before the priest receives Communion. Practice varies by parish, so the pastor sets the custom. Orthodox and Anglican use differs.
How are brass altar bells cleaned?
Wipe with a soft dry cloth after use. The Classical Church Goods bells are lacquered, so brass polish is unnecessary and can dull the coating. Unlacquered brass can be polished lightly a few times a year. Check that the bells are tight on the handle and the clappers swing freely.
What is a sacristy bell for?
A sacristy bell, such as the Autom four-cup bell, hangs or stands near the sacristy door. A server rings it as the procession leaves the sacristy so the congregation stands. It is louder and plainer than altar bells and is not used during the Eucharistic Prayer.