In the 1950s, a handbell sales representative visited the Reverend Kenneth Keeler, Pastor of First Presbyterian. As Whitechapel Bells glistened in the bright New Mexico sun, Reverend Keeler remembered the sensation bells caused at a large nationwide church meeting he attended. With two octaves of bells, the first bell choir at First Presbyterian with Youth Ringers rehearsed under the expert tutelage of Mrs. Hammond.

The Bell Choir ministry began as a youth ministry and became a source of future members of the vocal Chancel Choir. During the Reverend Robert Boshen's era, Mary Boshen often related that widower Robert Boshen asked her to marry him because of her distinguished service as a bell choir director in California. In 1987 Linda Raney formed an adult bell choir. Today that vital group has no age restriction on its members. Gifted teens have rung with the group. Nico Smith, toddler son of bell ringers Andy and Sarah Smith is already willing to grab a bell when he can.

The bell choir plays an annual Christmas Concert the first Friday in December. This concert has also included the High Desert Celtic Harp Ensemble, other area bell choirs, various instrumental soloists and the organ.
 
The Chancel Bell Choir meets on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and plays for worship about once a month. The Bell Choir does not rehearse during the summer months but resume rehearsals in early September.

Continuing a long tradition from the 1950s the Chancel Bell Choir rehearses on Wednesdays from 3:00-4:00, and begins weekly rehearsals on Wednesday September 14. The Chancel Bell Choir plays for services at least once a month and prepares concerts for the Friday TGIF recital series on December 2 and in May. If you would like to ring bells, check out the Chancel Bell Choir.