Adult Choir

Christ the Savior Lutheran Church Adult Choir History

The Adult Choir at CTS began before our fledgling congregation even had its own building! Our founding Pastor, John Bengston, recalls that 6 or 8 members first gathered at the home of a prospective congregant to rehearse. They quickly realized that none of the choir hopefuls had much directing experience, so Pastor Bengston volunteered to lead the group. This arrangement continued until the first wing of our current church building was completed in 1967.

To the best of our oldest members’ memories, the first paid Adult Choir director was Russell Ploesser, who was musically trained and already a member of CTS. His daughter Gail was also a longtime member of the choir! Russ served for several years, followed by the matriarch of our Adult Choir, Mary Grimm, who was a music teacher, soprano soloist, opera lover, and all-around great supporter of all things “note-worthy” and Lutheran! She inspired and supported the growth of our choir in so many ways and was the absolute best at soliciting volunteers for various tasks within the church. Mary made our choir a force! Several more enthusiastic directors followed Mary’s tenure, including some with excellent musical accomplishments. A few were also Christ the Savior members like Mary had been. Meanwhile, our organist Barbara Skramstad faithfully served as choir accompanist for over 40 years! She loved playing for the choir and for services in general—especially during Christmas and Holy Week.

Our Adult Choir was tested by the COVID pandemic, but emerged with great determination to continue the Lutheran tradition of music ministry and present meaningful anthems for our worshippers. We currently rehearse on Wednesdays at 7 pm in the sanctuary for our once-monthly offering, usually spending an hour together working on relevant pieces for the different seasons of the church calendar. The mission of the Adult Choir is to provide a musical ministry that inspires, motivates, and blesses all those who hear it. Our Savior provides the message, and we are so privileged to spread it to others through song!

Currently, our Adult Choir features approximately 15-20 voices, and new voices with musical interest (with ability and experience always a plus) are always enthusiastically welcomed!

More to come!

Under Construction!