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Walther League Chorus History |
"Sing to the
Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things...Shout for joy
to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music;
make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound
of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn - shout
for joy before the Lord, the King." - Psalm 98:1a, 4-6
History of the La Porte Walther League Chorus
The Walther League Chorus of St. John's Lutheran Church, is known as "the Chorus with a Message." It is currently under the direction of Mr. Matthew Nelson. Before that, it was under the direction of William Burger, the the son of the founder. The founder, Walter T. Burger, was director of the Walther League Chorus for 35 years - until his death in 1969.
The Chorus originated in the month of February of the depression year 1933 when Walter T. Burger gathered together 75 members of the Junior and Senior Walther League of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and formed the La Porte Walther League Chorus.
The purpose of the group was to appear at Valparaiso University on April 30th at the Indiana District Walther League Talent Quest. Emerging as second place winners after only two months of rehearsing encouraged this new organization to venture into further concert appearances and musical programs.
In the early years of its growth, the Chorus presented two Christmas pageants, "The Star of Hope" and "Son of David." It also presented two musicals, "Miss Cherry Blossom" and "Chimes of Normandy."
Other highlights from the early years: 1937 an appearance was made at the Chicago-land Music Festival - in 1938 an Easter Cantata - in 1939 radio appearances over station WIND, Gary - in 1940 an outdoor concert at International Friendship Gardens in Michigan City - in 1942 a Lutheran Hour Rally at the Civic Auditorium - appearance on LaPorte's Fine Arts program in 1943.
In 1944 St. John's Lutheran School children became part of the Christmas Concert. They continued to make special presentations: in 1946 a Mother's Day program honoring returned veterans and the Memorial Day program by invitation from the American Legion - in 1949 and 1959 the Chorus made recordings with R.C.A. in Chicago and in 1964 and 1972 two more albums were recorded at the church by the Delta recording company of Chicago.
In the early years the chorus presented pageants and Christmas Concerts at the Parish Hall (now Eagle's Hall), located on B Street, behind the School and Church buildings on A Street. The Chorus' Christmas Concerts have been presented at the La Porte Civic Auditorium since 1942. These concerts have traditionally ushered in the Christmas season in La Porte with a program dedicated to keeping Christ in Christmas.
An inspiring program of sacred music (sung by memory only, until 1999) proclaims the birth of Chirst to 1,300 to 1,600 people each year. At the first Christmas Concert in the Civic in 1942, the admission was free and real candles were used in the processional. Over the years the Chorus experimented with various staging techniques including intricate cross and star formations as part of the processional.
The task of transforming the Civic Auditorium into a Christmas-like setting provides a yearly challenge for the Chorus decorating committee. Elaborate stage decorations from early concerts have included rented stage curtains from Chicago, several creations by local artists Sally Ford, stained-glass window effects by Mr. Timler, an artist with a stained glass firm in Fort Wayne, to name a few.
In the mid 1960's a "white garland with light blue and silver balls and feathery sprigs" was purchased from Carson Pirie Scott & Co. in Chicago and was used originally as a garland around the perimeter of the auditorium. Later in 1964, Bill Darby used the same garland to fashion a huge Advent wreath with electric candles, hovering above the Chorus. Over the years the garland has been refashioned into the words "LOVE", "JOY", and "NOEL" above the acoustical shell.
A pair of 12 foot angels purchased in the 1960's from Silvestri Company in Chicago once sat atop the entrance to Carson's Chicago Loop store. Walter Burger was able to purchase one angel for $100.00 and the second slightly damaged angel for $50.00. With a can of fiberglass material volunteers repaired the angel and one or both are still frequently used at concerts to grace the front of the stage.
In addition a 20 to 25 foot live Christmas tree, often donated by friends or church members, enhanced the stage through the 1980's, when the expense of large Christmas trees, and then fire codes made it prohibitive. A huge garland laced with Italian lights encircles the auditorium, accented with miniature wreaths festively decorated in a holiday theme.
Ticket prices have remained modest, beginning in 1943 at 35 cents for adults and 25 cents for children. Since 1977 ticket prices were at $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for students through High School. In 1982 Senior Citizens were also admitted for $1.00 prices increase to $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and students through High School in 1995.
Despite inflation and considerable concert expenses, the Walther League Chorus continues to be self-supporting. Concert revenues and generous donations have enabled the Chorus to purchase all of its own music, equipment, decorations and robes since its inception. Acquisitions include an accoustical shell and two sets of risers in 1969 and new robes for both choirs in 1983. The Lord has truly blessed "the Chorus with a Message", making it possible to proclaim God's Word in song all these many praise-filled years.
Major anniversary celebrations have been observed throughout the years - notably the 10th, 15th, 25th, 40th and 50th. In celebrating the Golden anniversary in 1983, a special program was prepared with favorite selections from past concerts and a repeat of the well-received cantata "The Glory of Christmas" by Jimmy and Carol Owens. Present and former members received special invitations for a festive banquet at St. John's Gymnasium following the concert. This anniversary was organized by Chairperson Jodi Passafume and charter member Martin Vollrath, among others. As of the 50 year anniversary, five of the originally 75 members were still singing with the Chorus - Martin & Eleonora Vollrath, Mabel (Masterson) Chittenden, Esther (Roseneau) Lehker and Kenneth Homann.
As of the 2000 concert, remaining charter members Martin & Eleonora Vollrath celebrated 67 years of service to "the Chorus with a Message", Director Bill Burger celebrated 31 years and pianist MaryAnn Scholz celebrated 28 years of service.
After the retirement of pianist Mary Ann Scholz, and the leaving of Bill Burger, Mr. Mathew Nelson became the new Director of Music Ministries and Chorus Director. Sue Rosselli became the new organist and pianist for concerts in 2001. Also in 2001, a new choir, the King's Kid's Choir (Grades 1 to 4 - organized by Mrs. Sally Foglesong), was added to the concert to join the Christus Chorus (Grades 5-8 - led by Mr. Steve Parry) and Walther League Chorus.
In 2002, Sue Rosselli took over the Christus Chorus. In 2003 new teacher Beth Hoeppner took over the Kings Kids and Director of Music Ministries Matt Nelson took over the Christus Chorus. Chorus members Martin & Eleonora Vollrath were honored with a special gift for 70 continuous years of service to the Walther League Chorus and a carillon was added to the church sanctuary in their honor. In 2003 Jeanette Darby celebrated her 69th year with the chorus. A La Porte Symphony Orchestra group was asked to join the concert in 2003 and 2004.
Vocalists in the La Porte Community were invited to join with St. John's members in participating in the Chorus for the annual presentation. Concerts were held at the Civic Auditorium on the first Sunday in December. Tickets were sold at the St. John's Church Office, Fenker's Finer Furniture, and the New Covenant.
In January 2006, the music department and pastors decided to hold the Walther League Chorus Christmas Concert at the church beginning in December 2006, the 73rd year for the concert. The concert had been held at the La Porte Civic Auditorium for 64 years (1942 to 2005). In July 2006 Matt Nelson resigned as Director of Music Ministries and Chorus Director to take a position with the LaPorte Civic Orchestra. September 1, 2006, Mrs. Susan Rosselli will took over as Director of Music and the annual Christmas concert. Miss Sara DesJardins, a Valparaiso University senior in Music Education, volunteered to take over the children's choirs for the 2006-2007 school year.
St. John's members who wish to join the Walther League Chorus may receive more information by contacting Susan Rosselli St. John's Church Office, 111 Kingsbury Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350 at stjohns@stjohns-lpin.org or (219)362-3726.
