Zion Choral Society originated in 1929 as a male chorus under the direction of J. Claude Harwick. Claude was 19 years old when he had the vision to begin a male choir. (Women joined a few years later.) In his lifetime, Claude trained and directed different church choirs. He also taught voice at the Pennsylvania Conservatory of Music, and for several years directed the Coopersburg Band. In 1939, the band and choir performed a sacred concert together, as both were under the direction of Mr. Harwick. "My Lord is the powerhouse behind it," he would say. Claude directed Zion for 50 years until 1980 when his health forced him to leave the podium that he loved. Many times Claude was overheard saying, "Pastors preach the word of God from the pulpit, but I do it through the sacred music of the church."
The name Zion Choral Society came to be used in 1953. Before that time, the program was referred to as "A Sacred Music Festival presented by a combination of Choirs." Some of the local choirs represented were from: Keller's Church, Richlandtown, West Swamp, Applebachsville St. John's, Great Swamp, Spinnerstown and of course Zion Hill. The name "Zion" in our title comes from Zion Hill Evangelical Lutheran Church where Claude Harwick pumped the pipe organ bellows before he assumed his role as director of the church choir. The choir still meets today at Zion Hill Church, just as it did in 1929 when the choral group was formed. We consider it our "home-base" and the choir practices there weekly before the concert season begins.
Albert F. Schuster was Zion's second director and he led the choir from 1980 to 1992. Prior to directing, "Al" was the choir organist from 1958 to 1979. Albert started with the choir, singing in the tenor section and playing trumpet. He also served as Minister of Music at Seibert E. C. Church in Allentown. In 1988, United Wesleyan College bestowed upon him the Christian Ministries Award in Sacred Music. He served also for many years on the Allen Organ Company Board of Directors. Al returned as the choir organist for several years, after his daughter Maxine became the choir's third director.
Maxine S. Waldman directed the choir from 1993 to 2002. She joined Zion as a teenager, singing alto. She was also an occasional rehearsal accompanist and director. Maxine is very active in missions work in the Caribbean Islands and Mexico as founder and executive director of Caribbean Children’s Ministry Network. She left Zion to obey God’s call to become more involved in missions and teacher training.
Karen L. Shelly became the fourth director of the choir in 2003 and continues today. She joined the Zion family in 1977 and had the privilege to sing under Claude, Albert and Maxine. What an honor that was for her. She embraced the vision of the choir directors – to be used for the glory of God, and Him only. It’s amazing to see the dedication of the 170 people in the Zion family. They sing as long as possible. Choir members range in age from teenagers to those in their 80’s. They come from all walks of life, and represent many denominations and congregations. They travel from as far away as Jim Thorpe, Conyngham and Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania.
Various organists and pianists have also been dedicated to Zion’s ministry. The organists include Albert F. Schuster (1958 - 1979), (1993 – 2002), Richard Van Aucken (1980 – 1981), Jack Goodman (1982 – 1992), (1999 – 2002) and Jerry Bigenho (2003 – present). Pianists have included Arlene Bauman (1947 – 1993), Judy (Gruver) Spineo (1994 – 1995), Terri (Knechel) Young (1996 – 2007), and Jack Schwartz (2008 - present).
In its 79 years, Zion has ministered in countless churches in eastern Pennsylvania. In addition, they have traveled to churches in Florida and New Jersey. This includes sacred concerts in the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove, NJ, and at Bethlehem’s renowned Musikfest. Ensembles of Zion have also sung with the Christmas concerts of Andy Williams and Steve Green. "Our Lord is still the powerhouse behind it" The choir is thrilled to be "Living for Jesus" in this day of uncertainty. May you be blessed by Zion and challenged to live for Jesus and Him only.
