Ralph Manuel will be stepping down from his role as Wilshire’s handbell coordinator at the end of September and will be recognized during worship on Sept. 27. He has held the part-time position and directed Carillon Ringers since 2019.
Ralph and his wife, Donna, are moving to Fort Worth to share a duplex with his brother and sister-in-law. Ralph said they have no immediate plans to leave Wilshire as members: “We love Wilshire and appreciate the support and love we have felt here since we joined in 2018.”
Minister of Music Ariel Merivil said, “Ralph’s talent as a composer, arranger and pianist is matched only by his quiet, modest spirit. He has been endlessly kind and generous with his gifts in service to music ministry at Wilshire. I am so grateful for the work he has done with Carillon Ringers and for how willingly he has supported and contributed to our music in worship.”
In addition to his work with handbells, Ralph has sung in Sanctuary Choir, played piano solos and served as music director for Faith in 3D productions. A former missionary and music minister, he is a published composer and arranger.
Ralph said, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of music leadership of this church these past seven years and to have worked with so many wonderfully talented bell ringers during this time. It is a privilege to share the gift of music with all fellow worshipers.”