The Lutheran Choral Society

During the time that Prof. Walter E. Buszin was head of the music department at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, he conceived the idea of forming a Lutheran Choral Society among the members of the affiliated Synodical Conference members within the Mankato area. A large group was formed which included members from Bethany, from Immanuel Congregation and others from North Mankato, Good Thunder and a few scattered localities. The group studied hard and sang much difficult music, such as Bach cantatas and other good sound Lutheran music. Prof. Buszin and his family moved from Mankato to Fort Wayne, Indiana about 1935. It was then decided that the present Lutheran Choral Society continue with members of our own church in the singing of good Lutheran music in the services in our church. The chief aim of the group has been to continue the great heritage which the Lutheran Church has in its music, and to sing sound Christian and Lutheran music not only for its own benefit and enjoyment but so that others too might enjoy it. At the time of Prof. Buszin's departure from Mankato, Mr. E.A. Silber was asked to take over the task of directing the group. This he did cheerfully, and his work has been a source of inspiration to himself and others. The present officers are: Mr. E.A. Silber, director; Miss Florence Hartig, president; Herbert Arnold, vice president; and Hildegarde Koeppen, secretary and treasurer.