Men of A-Chord Christian Male Chorus
Since 1953
In the year 1953, shortly after the Korean Conflict, a group of Christian men who were members of Reformed and Christian Reformed Churches, came together for the purpose of organizing a Christian male chorus. They decided on the name Sterling Male Chorus. The name was changed after a short time to the Netherlanders because of their common national heritage. They secured the services of Richard Wesselius, a musical director in the area, and held their rehearsals in one of the Roseland churches on the far south side of Chicago.
Soon they received requests from local churches to present concerts or augment their worship services. As they became better known, the scope of ministry began to grow and they were invited to sing in more distant churches.
As time passed, they came to realize that the name they had chosen was rather restrictive to men of one ancestry, discouraging men of other national background from seeking membership. It also limited the possibility of ministering to congregations of other denominations. Therefore, the name MEN OF A-CHORD was adopted, giving place for a greater field of ministry as well as including men of other backgrounds as members.
About nine years passed and a new director, Sam Postema, was invited to direct the chorus. During his 15 years of service the scope of the ministry increased and concerts were presented in Wisconsin as well as Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan. Other male choruses were discovered and on special occasions concerts were presented with them in Wisconsin and Michigan. These Nights of Song presented each spring continue this tradition.
When Mr. Postema resigned and the search for a new director began, one of their faithful members, Bruce DeWindt, stepped in to direct the chorus and retained the position for 20 years. During the time of service of both these men, the chorus was blessed to have Marie Venhuizen-Oldenberger accompany us for 30 years. When Marie retired, Beverly Hoitsma took on the role of pianist and is the pianist today. Our present director, Justin Rich, has been with the chorus since 2000.
Besides singing in churches and Nights of Song appearances, the group has appeared on TV, in nursing homes and retirement centers, and Bible Conference settings.
During the entire 60 year history, the purpose of the chorus has not diminished or changed. Its goal is to honor Christ, our Savior and Lord, and spread the good news of His gospel wherever it goes. Through our singing we endeavor to strengthen the faith of Christians and point men and women to Christ, the only hope of salvation. Our purpose is to minister to people, not to entertain. Our concerts provide or augment the worship services of congregations in the Christian church.
The ministry of Men of A-Chord is extended through the sale of concert CD’s. These are available at less than market prices to help Christians witness to unsaved friends and loved ones. For a list of our recordings see this page: Recordings.
Concerts are scheduled a year or more in advance. If your church or Christian group is interested in scheduling a concert for a church service or special event, please contact us through our website Contact Us. Please visit the website, menofachord.org for a Concert Schedule, a list of our Our Sponsors, and other items of interest.
All men who know Christ and confess Him as Lord and Savior, and enjoy singing His praises, are invited to seek membership in the Men of A-Chord. See our Join Us page.
