The Bethel Chimers of Barbados
“Evangelizing With Our Hands”
BIRTH
The Bethel Chimers, a Handbell Choir was given birth in 1987. The gift of a two Octave set of Choir chimes, was given by the First United Methodist Church, Lakeland Florida, to the then Superintendent Minister of the Bethel Circuit, the Late Rev. Leonard Rock, to be used by the young people. In faith, these instruments were taken up by Mrs. Linda Rock, the wife of Rev. Rock, “Auntie Linda”, as she was affectionately called, and, along with their son Paul, sounded out these instruments. One year later, Handbells were added. From that time, the story of Handbell Ringing began to be written in Barbados, as Auntie Linda gave birth to a mission of faith – “Evangelizing With Our Hands”.
BUILDING
From its inception, the Bethel Chimers of Barbados has had committed, dedicated and spirited leaders who were the friends and encouragers of the Handbell choir. Uncle Leonard- the Rev. Leonard Rock and Auntie Elaine - Mrs Elaine Niles have been called to be with the Lord, but their inspiration and spirit still remain. Rev. Paul Douglas-Walfall, now serving in another jurisdiction, has played no meagre role in helping in the continued growth of the Chimers. Under the authority and power of Jesus, using Auntie Linda - director and disciplinarian of the choir; Auntie Judy – Miss Judy Cumberbatch, the assistant director and secretary; and Auntie Beverley Miss Beverley Prescod, the music librarian; God faithfully continues to build up His choir. Building takes work and commitment, so the choir rehearses at Bethel Methodist Church on Friday evenings from 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm and on Saturday afternoons from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm. The Junior Chimers, a recent addition of young budding chimers, rehearse only on Saturday afternoons from 3:00 pm to 4:30pm. These rehearsal times are more than simply learning to ring songs and practise techniques. An integral part is made up of prayers, life-talks, bible study and discussions. Rehearsal times also include the maintenance and cleaning of the bells. The Bethel Chimers of Barbados “Evangelizing With Our Hands”
BEARING
Now in its thirty fourth year, the Bethel Chimers still brings together youth and young adults across religious, social and economic divides. Presently, there is a Junior Chimers choir of young children and the main choir which comprises a mixture of teenagers, young adults, and others. The choir continues its mission of “Evangelizing With Our Hands”, by taking their music wherever they are called to serve. They play at Church worship services across denominations; senior Citizens homes; hospitals; concerts; weddings; funerals; Her Majesty’s Prison and other mission fields. The choir has shared their gifts with many brothers and sisters regionally and internationally. They can be heard annually at Gospel Fest Barbados-Hymn Speak; their Good Friday Meditation at Bethel Methodist Church and the Bethel Church Choir’s Chistmas Cantata.
Contact
Email: lexivonne@gmail.com
Tel: (246) 571-3437 or 232-6094
Email: joanbprescod753@gmail.com
Tel: (246) 437-6730 or 850-6552
Meet our Organists
Bethel
Brother Richard Hope
Bro. Hope has been ministering on the organ with the Bethel Choir from the year 2009, subsequent to the retirement of the deceased former Organist, Bro. Eyre Foster. Bro. Hope has a deep passion for ministering on the organ, to the extent that he has been accompanying the Barbados Festival Choir for several years. In the dispensation of the Barbados Orchestra, Bro. Hope was an active member. More importantly, Bro. Hope views his "playing the organ" as a tool of ministry in a quest to win souls for Christ. He receives his intrinsic satisfaction from winning souls.
Dalkeith
Randy Harris, born on the 22nd February, started his love for music with the steel pan at the age of 7, the keyboard at age 9, went on to learn the guitar at age 14. He started singing in the St. Leonard’s 100 Boys’ Choir. While there at St. Leonard’s Boys Secondary School, he obtained Grade 4, 6 and Grade 8 in Classical vocals with the Trinity Guildhall College of Music. Randy later attained an Associate Degree in music as well as an Associate Degree in Italian and Spanish for business and tourism from the Barbados Community College.
Randy is currently a teacher at St.Cyprian's Boys' and is choir director of the NIFCA Gold Award winning Choir. the Cyptones. He is currently the organist and musical director for the Dalkeith Methodist Church. Randy can be found singing/ accompanying groups and many well-known artists across the island.
Randy’s love and enthusiasm for music, which also includes music production and songwriting, serves to bless everyone with whom he comes into contact.
His words of wisdom from experiences: “Your mind is your greatest limiter so always aim higher than you can reach -that way even in failure growth is inevitable”
Outstanding Methodist Musicians
Roger Gittens, Ebenezer Circuit
Roger Gittens is the Organist and Choir Director at the Shrewsbury Methodist church. He is currently the Senior Tutor and Coordinator for performing Arts programmes, music at the Barbados Community College and has embarked on a series of concerts over the year showcasing original music he has written for hymns and psalms. These concerts also feature performances by the 10 VOICES and selected soloists, many of whom are from the Methodist Church. He is well known for his excellence in arrangement and has produced several Caribbean and contemporary interpretations of traditional hymns and psalms, as well as new gospel songs.
The following are links of his sacred music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sp2RAYrIfFY
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7ysqfQ1ykddtoScnvcTN3w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wtNwSTcCKQ&t=4725s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddtl_fhd-wU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otvL02xeO20&t=1603s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KgWnNf--zA
James Street Summer Concert Series
During the summer of 2020, the James Street Church embarked on a series of Virtual Summer Concerts. Below are links to these concerts:
(368) James Street Methodist Church Presents A Summer Concert Series - Concert 1 - YouTube
(368) James Street Methodist Church Presents A Summer Concert Series - Concert 2 - YouTube
(368) James Street Methodist Church Presents A Summer Concert Series - Concert 3 - YouTube
(368) James Street Methodist Church Presents A Summer Concert Series - Concert 4 - YouTube