About Our Choir

The First Lutheran Choir has a long history. The first choir director was Frederick Homburg, who was the choir director and organist in the early 1900’s. The choir did not meet on a regular schedule, but was called upon to sing for all special occasions during the church year.

The choir began meeting on a regular schedule in the early 1960’s. Pastor William Luecke was instrumental in getting the choir organized and Mrs. Norman (Doris) Balko was the choir director. There were 13 members. The choir sang all during the church year and the membership continued to increase.

In 1965, the Sr. Choir sang a Christmas Contata at First Lutheran. They also sang in many churches throughout the area. They traveled to Swan Valley, Seeley Lake, and Superior to present the candlelight service in Trinity Lutheran Church. They did many Christmas and Easter Contatas after that. In 1967, the voters assembly expressed their gratitude to the choir for all their work and had a reception for them after the church service.

In 1966, the choir sang at the Messiah Lutheran Church dedication and the installation of Rev. Robert Rahn.

A Junior Choir was started in the 1970’s and beautified the service for many years. They alternated singing on Sundays with the Sr. Choir. They did many things to add to the worship service including a chancel drama “It’s Cool in the Furnace”. The drama was well received and the choir continued for many years.

One wonderful highlight came in 1975. The choir was invited to sing at the Festival Service at the First Methodist Church. It was First Lutheran’s 75th anniversary celebration with Dr. J.O. Preuss, Synod President, as the speaker. They practiced long and hard for that day!

Mr. Don Lentz Sr. became the choir director in 1980. The choir has continued to be an integral part of the worship service at First Lutheran. They are always ready to sing and beautify a service and to do whatever is needed to make the service meaningful. They were especially happy to be able to sing at the groundbreaking of the new church at 2808 South Avenue and at the Church Dedication. It was a special time for all of the members. One member of the choir, DeDe Lienau, had a song written especially for the occasion. “Here We Stand Lord” was written by Don Besig, with words by Don Besig and Nancy Price. The song is now being printed for other churches to use and has instrumental music to accompany it. The Lord has truly blessed everyone at First Lutheran.

"Here We Stand Lord"
The song is copyrighted by Don Besig and Nancy Price.

We are gathered in this place, O Lord, joined in worship and in prayer.
Come and touch us with Your grace, O Lord; keep us always in Your care.
Help us show our faith and love in all we say and do
As we follow in Your way, O Lord, help us put our trust in You.

Here we stand, Lord, Yours forever. You have called us to spread Your word.
Hand in hand, Lord, we’ll serve together, sharing Your light with all the world.

To this fellowship we come, O Lord, joined in gratitude and praise.
In Your spirit we are one, O Lord, blessed in many special ways.
Help us share the joy and peace we find in knowing You.
May the wonder of Your love, O Lord, show in everything we do.

Here we stand, Lord, Yours forever. You have called us to spread Your word.
Hand in hand, Lord, we’ll serve together sharing Your light with all the world.