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Handbells
 The handbell calendar
will be listed here on the website. All ringers will stay for the
entire service when playing bells. For questions, call or email Deedee Odell t he
handbell director at ddbells@aol.com
or 281-2755.
Each bell ringers presence is required at each rehearsal or performance.
If you or your child will be absent, please notify Deedee immediately.
In a handbell choir, if someone is absent, their bells are not being
played!
Carillon Ringers
This mid high group continues learning handbell artistry, providing
service to God through their playing in church services and also sharing
their music at other churches and attending area ringing events. They
play in church approximately every six weeks. Carillon Ringers play on
Christmas Eve.
CELEBRATION BELLS
This adult handbell group continues to hone their handbell skills. As
new ringers join the group, we continue working on the basics as well as
keeping up with new techniques. This group plays about every six weeks.
They also attend area handbell events.
This group has also played for several special services at CUMC during
the church year.
CHRIST CHIMERS
This high school group of ringers continues to become stronger ringers,
playing more difficult music. They attend area handbell events and play
locally for special events. As high school students, these ringers lead
the rest of the handbell family at CUMC. The Christ Chimers play on
Christmas Eve.
JUBILEE BELLS
This group is for 3rd-5th graders. They will be playing chimes and
bells, learning to play the instruments, read their notes and the
rhythm. Jubilee Bells play during the Sunday church service about every
six weeks. Jubilee Bells play for the Childrens’ service at Christmas.
CUMC HANDBELL HISTORY
Christ United Methodist Church
received their first set of Schulmerich handbells in September of 1963.
Robert Scoggin ordered them on approval. The church enjoyed them so
much, they purchased the first 2 octaves immediately. There is a
newspaper article telling of the first handbells in Rochester. The
Senior High Bell group went to the National Convention in Washington,
D.C. in June of 1965. Sieberta Lovestadt, Billie Needham and Robert
Scoggin were the chaperones for the train trip. CUMC acquired a third
and fourth octave of bells from memorial money in the early 1970's.
Robert Scoggin arranged “Hymns for Handbells”, copywrited in 1969, since
early handbell music was not readily available. We also have an early
book entitled “Handbell Choir” by Doris Watson, copywrited in 1959. It
is very interesting reading today!
In the ‘70's, the Chancel Choir and the High School Bells recorded a
phonograph record. Billie Needham was the director of the group at that
time. Mrs. Charles Springer gave a second 3 octave set of Schulmerich
Handbells in 1977, as a memorial to her husband. Angelus Bells played
for her funeral in 1989. The first Area VII Bell Festival that CUMC
ringers attended was at Superior, WI in 1976.
The whole CUMC bell family raised money for a 4th and 5th octave of
handbells and 3 octave set of handchimes in 1985. During the ‘80's and
‘90's, Angelus Bells attended several festivals in: Ames (2), Lincoln,
Mankato(2), Fargo, St Paul, River Falls, Sioux Falls and Holland,
Michigan. In 1988, CUMC celebrated 25 years of handbells by inviting
past and present ringers to join us for the morning services. Over 80
ringers played that morning. Alice Kerr and Deedee Odell were in charge
of the event.
Christ Chimers attended the first Young Ringers event in Area VII at
River Falls, WI and a National Event in Ames, IA. In the ‘90's, Christ
Chimers attended festivals in Albion, MI, Eau Claire, WI, Sioux Falls,
SD and Greencastle, IN. Linda McKechnie arranged O, God Our Help in Ages
Past for handbells, trumpet, organ and choir for Robert Scoggin’s
retirement in 1993. In 1999, the Christ Chimers recorded a CD. Monies
from that were used to purchase a fourth and fifth octave of Malmark
handchimes. The Christ Chimers have attended the area High School
Handbell Happening every year since 1993. The Carillon Ringers have
attended the Kids’ Ring since 2001.
Arnold Sherman was commissioned to compose an original piece for
handbells in celebration of CUMC’s 40th Anniversary, titled Laudamus.
This was played on October 12, 2003, by Christ Chimers. A festive Sunday
was celebrated with over 40 current bell ringers participating. The
Chancel Choir provided the reception between services.
Over the years the various groups have had special vests, sweaters or
T-shirts made to wear for festivals and other special performances.
During the 43 years of handbells at CUMC, over 400 people have
participated in this program. Many thanks to all the directors that
provided leadership and gave of their time and energy to make this
program what it is today.
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