WESTMINSTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
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    • Chancel Choir
    • Wesley Carillon
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WESLEY CARILLON AND BELL CHOIRS

Picture
Wesley Carillon director: Peggy Brengle p.brengle@wumcmd.org

Children of Hope director:  Linda Wood llwwood@gmail.com

when in our music god is glorified

During the years from 1982 to present, in addition to regular contributions to worship, the WUMC bell choirs of all age groups have at one time or another participated in festivals, workshops, and community outreach events. Presently, the Wesley Carillon (ages high school through adult) plays six time per year in worship utilizing 3-5 octaves of Malmark bells and handchimes.  Children of Hope handbell choir rings in worship several times throughout the year.


click here to learn more about opportunities in our Children's Bell Choirs
children's bell choirs

Our Bell Choir History

The late Joe Chalker, longtime member of WUMC, was the founding director of our church’s adult bell choir.  Memorial funds were designated for the purchase of a three-octave set of bells, rung for the first time in worship on Christmas Eve, 1982.  In January 1984, Linwood Row assumed leadership of the choir that became officially known as “Wesley Carillon.”  During the next several years the bell program expanded to include a youth handbell choir and “Bells on the Hill”, an outreach from our church for Western Maryland College students that lasted for several years. Within a few short years the bell program was expanded with the addition of the “Praise Chime Choir” for children under the leadership of Bill Pond, using a three-octave set of handchimes (37) purchased from Malmark.

Evolution of our Bell Choirs

In Spring 1992, Larry and Debbie Henning were hired as interim directors to replace Linwood Row, who “retired” from his volunteer directorship. In the fall of 1993, Laura Baker was hired as director of handbell choirs and youth choral groups, a position she held for 17 years.  Under Laura’s leadership, participation in the bell program continued to grow to include “Praise Bells” choir for children and “Alive & Ringing” choir for youth. In the fall of 2010, the leadership for the handbell choirs became all volunteer including Peggy Brengle, Handbell Coordinator; Kyler Brengle, Wesley Carillon (college students & adults); Bill Pond, Alive and Ringing (grades 6-12); Johanna Evans (2010) and Donna Kattermann (2011) Praise Bells (grades 3-5). Presently, our directors include:  Peggy Brengle, Wesley Carillon; Linda Wood, Children of Hope (grades 3-6).

The handbell choirs at WUMC have touched many lives, both ringers and hearers, not the least of which are those who currently ring that have participated since the very beginning; that’s 30 years and counting! In the bell rehearsal room hangs a vibrant, colorful banner, made by Donna Kattermann for the dedication of the bells. The banner describes what we believe the handbell choir’s role at church and in worship to be:

When in our music God is glorified .


Location

Addresses

Sanctuary
165 E Main Street
Westminster, MD  21157

Office/Mailing
162 E Main Street
​Westminster, MD  21157
Financial Mailing Address
P.O. Box 2316
Westminster, MD  21158-2316

Office - 410-848-8325
Office - 410-876-2124
​Email - info@wumcmd.org

Sunday Schedules

Worship - 10:30am, onsite/online
Education Hour - 9am, onsite
Sept-May Classes all ages, 2yrs - Adult
SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO PANDEMIC

Office Hours - please click here for staff page
M-Th, 9am-3pm | Fri 9am-11:30am
  • Welcome
  • About Us
    • Mission, Vision, Core Values
    • First Time Visitors
    • FAQs
    • Contact Us
    • Directions and Parking
    • Pastor
    • Staff
    • History
    • Beliefs
  • Worship Links onsite/online
  • MUSIC
    • Chancel Choir
    • Wesley Carillon
    • Children & Youth Music Ministries
    • Praise Band
    • Organ
  • What's New
    • Events/News
    • Monthly Newsletters
    • Pastor's Blog
    • How have YOU seen The Lord at WUMC?
    • Welcome Slip Reserved Sundays
  • Calendars
    • Calendar Options
  • Prayer Requests
  • Giving Opportunities
    • Automated -and- Online Giving
    • Text to Give
    • Other Giving Support
    • Online Pledge Form
    • Pledge Campaign 2022
    • Giving Survey
  • Ministries
    • Ministry Quick Contact Page
    • Christian Education for all ages
    • Crossroads Christian Preschool
    • Reconciling Community at Center & Main (WUMC)
    • Fellowship
    • Outreach >
      • Cold Weather and Night by Night Shelter
      • Habitat for Humanity
      • Global Missions
      • Local Missions
      • Opportunities to Serve
      • Community Groups
    • Stephen Ministry
    • United Methodist Women
    • Youth Ministry
    • non-affiliated Pastoral Counseling
  • Registration Page
    • Education Ministry Registration
    • Spiritual Gifts Survey
    • Crossroads Christian Preschool Registration routing
  • Links
    • Links for our church news
    • Links within our Community
    • Links for Inspiration & Devotion
    • Links in the UMC
  • Member Toolbox - Forms, Policies, etc.
    • Subscribe to our eHerald mass email
    • Directory
  • Baptisms
  • Weddings
  • Ministry of Care UPDATE FORM