SCHEDULE: The Whitechapel Handbell Choir will always welcome experienced ringers. Practices are scheduled approximately one month prior to a performance, and the choir generally performs at least three times per year. Contact Shirley Jobin for more information at 303-423-2672.

HISTORY: Millicent and John Pletcher had a dream in the year 1971 when they traveled to London for the American Bar Association convention. Their dream guided them to the bell foundry in Whitechapel, England, where they ordered the set of handbells that you enjoy hearing, and we love ringing today. The bells arrived at the Pletcher residence in 1974 and the fun started. Millie recruited a group of dedicated musicians who began to learn how to ring handbells and they became pretty good. They rang at LUMC and at various locations in the area and in the State of Colorado. The volunteer group met every Tuesday morning, and rang and rang, and drank coffee and then rang some more. Over the years the personnel of the choir changed but it still counts among the membership a couple of “originals”. Now the ringers enjoy discussing who has been with the choir the longest period of time. Through thick and thin the founder, Millie, was the guiding light. She always made it fun while the group was learning to make music together. Since her death in 2002, she is missed greatly. Although the five-octave set of handbells resides at LUMC, ownership of the bells is with John Pletcher who stipulates that LUMC may use them as long as they are rung as Millie, the founder intended. Toward that end, he asked Shirley Jobin to direct these wonderful musicians in order for them to continue making music for the glory of God.