On Sunday, October 23, 2016, the Graceham Moravian Church celebrated its fiftieth anniversary of the first performance of handbells at the church. The Graceham Moravian Church Handbell Choir was founded in 1966, under the direction of the late Dr. James L. Fisher. The celebratory worship included Bells of Grace, the current handbell choir, directed by Dr. Linda Franklin, performing “Christian Joy,” composed by Dr. Fisher, and “I Will Praise You, Lord,” composed by Mr. Jack Fisher, who also directed the choir for the ringing of the piece. An Anniversary Choir, including several alumni of past choirs, performed “Simple Gifts,” arranged by Dr. Fisher.
In addition to Mr. Fisher, former directors of Graceham’s bell choirs present for the celebration were Tom Fugate, Joy Flickinger, Mark Long, and Sandy (Blake) Sigel. Other directors included Morris Blake and Bill Eyler. Of the nine original handbell ringers, five were able to be present: Sandra (Blake) Sigel, Belinda (Filler) Humerick, Mark Long, Gene Stitely, and Pam Wildasin. Ringers remembered in a moment of silence were Dr. James L. Fisher (Director), Kathy Sue Fugate, Sallyann (Trapane) McCarthy, John David Keilholtz, Katrina (Blake) Reedy, and Diane (Spalding) Miller.
During the service, Mary Fisher, wife of Dr. Fisher, and Thomas Fugate, were presented with fifty-year pins for their faithful music ministry to the church, and in recognition of Dr. James L. Fisher’s extensive contribution to Moravian and church music. The pins were presented with expressions of gratitude by the Graceham Moravian Church, and the Moravian Music Foundation.
The Moravian Music Foundation, with offices in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Winston Salem, North Carolina, is celebrating its 60th Anniversary this year. As part of its ministry to the Northern and Southern Provinces of the Moravian Church, they provide the means for congregations to recognize outstanding achievements to Moravian music, and specifically provide a distinctive pin for those who have contributed fifty years of music service to the church.
The Graceham Congregation was also celebrating its two hundred and fifty-eighth anniversary. The congregation’s Children’s Choir, and Hosanna Choir, joined the handbell choirs in providing special music for the service, which included congregational singing and a Moravian lovefeast. A display of memorabilia from the fifty years of handbell choir ministry at Graceham stirred much conversation, and a History of Handbells of Graceham was researched and printed for the service. A luncheon provided by funds from the Katrina Blake Reedy Memorial Fund, in memory of Mrs. Reedy, followed the service and was enjoyed by all.
