In November 1999 a Worship Team was formed at The First Church of the Open Bible in McKeesport, PA that consisted of members, Lou and Kris Rhoades along with the Pastor, Bob Fagin.

In March 2000, the three of them decided to minister outside of the church on occasion by singing at nursing homes, other churches, etc. and “Chalice” was formed.

Lou had been singing with a Southern Gospel Quartet since 1998 and left that group in July 2000 to pursue singing more with Chalice and to return working with Puppets for the King.

The Rhoades’ oldest son, Lance, was dating Amanda Coddington, of McKeesport, when Lou and Kris first met Gary Coddington, (who just happened to be Mandi’s dad). In July 2001 Gary was added to the music ministry. Along with Gary came some wonderful lead guitar parts as well as some bass guitar. He also sang some of the bass parts.

Chalice released its debut recording in December 2001 entitled “A Christmas to Remember” with the title track written by Kris Rhoades. The recording includes many traditional Christmas carols as well as a contemporary favorite: “Mary, Did You Know?” sung by Lou Rhoades. This song has become one of the most requested songs that has gone beyond the holiday barrier by being sung anytime of the year.

Their second recording, “Basking in the Light” with praise and worship style music, released in August of 2002; the title track was written by Pastor Bob Fagin.

Because of Bob’s pastoral position at the The First Church of the Open Bible and his secular evening job, plus scheduling conflicts with Puppets for the King, Chalice was limited in their time for ministry but continued to serve weekly as the worship team at the Open Bible Church.

In the summer of 2003 with the recording facilities at The Well Ministries, Pastor Bob Fagin released a solo project: “Jesus Christ: Real Man” – a recording of his original songs. Chalice helped with the project by doing back-up vocals and instrumentals.

Pastor Bob resigned from singing with the group in January 2004 to spend more time with his family. He continues to serve as the pastor of The First Church of the Open Bible, in McKeesport, PA where he ministers musically on the Worship Team along with Lou and Kris, when they are available. This decision, although sad to all the members, released Chalice to be available for ministry opportunities on Sundays and weeknights.

In February 2004, Keith Szirmae, of White Oak, was added to Chalice. Singing lead and some harmony and playing acoustical guitar, Keith brought a fresh new energy to the group that is evident to everyone who sees him sing and play.

Chalice released their third recording, their first one with Keith, in July 2004. “Fill My Cup” contains favorite traditional hymns with a fresh new sound.

“Fill My Cup, Volume 2″ was released in September 2007 and contained more traditional hymns.

In September 2007, the All Day Gospel Sing theme song was “Voice of Truth” and Chalice released their first edition of their “Singles Series” with this song.

The next three editions of the “Singles Series” released in September 2008: “How Great is Our God” — the theme song for the 2008 All Day Gospel Sing, “Shackles” and “Zoe’s Lullaby” — an original song written by Kris Rhoades.

In September 2009 two more editions of the “Singles Series” released: “When God Ran” and “That’s Why We Need Jesus” — another original song by Kris Rhoades.

Read more about Chalice members:
Kris | Lou | Gary | Keith | Emily