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Handbell Celebration at Graceham Moravian Church Included Appreciation for Fifty Years of Music

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50-yrs-bells-1On 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.

Graceham Moravian Church to Celebrate 50 Years of Handbells

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The Graceham Moravian Church Handbell Choir was founded in 1966, under the direction of the late Dr. James L. Fisher. October 23, 2016, marks the 50th Anniversary of the first performance of handbells at Graceham Moravian Church.

The Graceham Moravian Church will celebrate this milestone with an Anniversary Lovefeast on October 23 at 10:30 am. Bells of Grace will play “Christian Joy,” composed by Dr. Fisher; and “I Will Praise You, Lord,” composed by Mr. Jack Fisher, who will also direct the choir for the ringing of the piece. An Anniversary Choir, including several alumni of past choirs, will perform “Simple Gifts,” arranged by Dr. Fisher. For the first performance in 1966, Dr. Fisher led the first nine ringers in an arrangement of “O God Our Help in Ages Past.” A Moravian Lovefeast is a service of singing and sharing together a simple meal of Moravian sugarcake and a beverage. A luncheon will follow the service. The celebration is open to all.

Bells of Grace, the current bell choir, is directed by Linda Franklin. Since 2012, she has introduced the choir to a variety of new techniques and an expanded repertoire of music. Franklin, and many other ringers, received their first experience and training in the art of handbell ringing as teenagers under the guidance of Dr. Fisher. Other directors include Jack Fisher, Sandy (Blake) Sigel, Tom Fugate, Mark Long, and Morris Blake.

In addition to playing for worship services several times a year at the Church, Graceham Moravian handbell choirs have performed at many churches in Thurmont, throughout Frederick County, and around the country. They have given concerts at a wide variety of venues, including Moravian Music Festivals, the Weinberg Center for the Arts, Fairview Chapel, Knott Arena, and Catoctin Colorfest. They have played solo and mass-ring pieces for Frederick County Bell and History Days in Emmitsburg, and workshops and accompanying concerts sponsored by the Westminster Ringers. Most recently, Bells of Grace performed for the Catoctin High School 2016 Baccalaureate service.

Other performances of Bells of Grace for the remainder of the year will be the Thanksgiving Lovefeast on Sunday, November 20, at 9:15 a.m.; the Christmas Concert on Wednesday, December 14, at 7:00 p.m.; and Christmas Eve services at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., all at the Church. Graceham Moravian Church is located at 8231-A Rocky Ridge Road in Thurmont. All services are open to all.
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Members of the Bell Choir in the 1970s.