Choirs and Choir Directors

In 1934 the Cooneys joined Brooklyn Church, Mrs. Cooney was determined to have a choir.  With the help of Harris Nelson, a choir was formed and a riser was built behind the pulpit that would hold 20 people.  There were 12 members which included, Alpha & Connie Sunday, Arden & Hilda Burquest, Jeanette Fair, Dorothy Meinke, Helen Norris, Anne Purdham, Ophelia Copes, Grace Hubbard and the two Cooney boys.

"The choir is a unique group...it consists of people from many walks of life and many different personalities but when it is time to sing, we are all people of God singing for His people and to His glory and honor."

The choir during WWII was made up of the girls.  The only men were some of the young fellows home from service.

The United Methodist Hymnal

In 1985, plans were made for a revision of the UM hymnal, replacing the hymnal of 1966.  The new hymnal had 960 pages and combined ritual, psalms and 625 songs.  The new hymnal was approved by delegates at the General Conference in May of 1988.  Brooklyn Church received the new hymnals in 1989.  They are still used in worship today.

Choir Robes

Does anyone remember the homemade black choir robes?  A few people might, you had to pull them over your head to get them on.

In 1952, new robes were ordered.  They were maroon with white collars.  Some people bought their own and others gave money to purchase them.  It was about the same time that the chancel was remodeled and a choir loft was built to the side of the altar with the organ across on the other side.

When the new organ was installed in 1978, green robes with green and gold stoles were purchased.  Again, some of the members purchased their own robes.

In 1989 blue robes with red and white stoles were purchased and again in 2001, gray robes with white and teal stoles were purchased.