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Page 46 October 2016 The Catoctin Banner Newspaper www.TheCatoctinBanner.com Published by www.EPlusPromotes.com
Graceham Moravian Church to
Celebrate 50 Years of Handbells
The Graceham Moravian Courtesy Photo
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
Members of the Bell Choir in the 1970s.
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.
Graceham Moravian Church to
Celebrate 50 Years of Handbells
The Graceham Moravian Courtesy Photo
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
Members of the Bell Choir in the 1970s.
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.
