This past Saturday, March 28, the historic Sonnenberg Mennonite Church in Kidron Community Historical Society's Sonnenberg Village was filled with more than 200 people as the old building welcomed its first chorus since moving to its new site. Sonnenberg Station Men's Ensemble raised their voices, opening the show with a most appropriate piece--"There's a Meeting Here Tonight:"
"There's a meetin' here tonight, Great God!
I'm glad you came along!
Hope all the brothers and the sisters here
will help me sing this song!"
And they did! The evening closed with the group's director, Tim Shue, leading the audience in a sing-along of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."
In between, there were strong solos, bold ballads, and a tad bit of the Beatles thrown in for good measure. There was also a great interview session in which Ellis Miller shared what it has been like to sing with Sonnenberg Station for the past ten years. Ellis, a founding member and part of the impetus for the group's inception, is completing his final season with the group, and will be greatly missed. Wayne Liechty, president of the Kidron Community Historical Society, shared with us about the spark for Sonnenberg Village and how they hope to grow.
The result of the evening? Well, aside from a great musical performance presented to a receptive and enthusiastic crowd, more than $1,000 was collected during the free-will offering and presented to the Kidron Community Historical Society. The funds were gratefully received and will be used toward outside lights in the village for activities such as hosting Sonnenberg Station, an $8,000 project. KCHS plans to raise $4,000 and meet the remaining amount by applying for a Greater Wayne County grant. If you would like to contribute to this fund or learn more about the organization, contact KCHS at P.O. Box 234 Kidron, OH 44636-0234 or by phone at 330-857-9111.
Thanks so much for all of your support of both Sonnenberg Station Men's Choral Ensemble, and your Kidron Community Historical Society. Let's meet again sometime!