Salem Singers: A History of Spreading the Gospel

The Salem Singers...

were first organized and directed as a mixed chorus in 1943 by a successful lumberman, Ernest (Erney) Friesen. The group consisted of 22 young men and women, devoted to the music ministry. They appeared primarily at Youth for Christ meetings and other organizational activities assisting Billy Graham and Cliff Barrows in those meetings. They also appeared in the USO programs held at the Elsinor Theater in Salem, providing music for our servicemen. After about five years of ministry, it was necessary to change directions as the young female singers had problems with attending practices and concerts due to marriages, moving from the area, or family responsibilities and could not continue with the group. Thus,in September 1948 the mens chorus was organized.

1951

"The Salem Singers have carried the faith in the Willamette Valley for four decades," wrote Hank Arends, of the Statesman-Journal, October 22, 1988. Arends quoting Wilbur Rickard, one of the original members,

"We spread the gospel through singing and encourage people to the knowledge of Jesus Christ - who we point to. We have tried to keep that in focus. Most people who come in know the mission of the group."

Francis Wonderly, another original member, also stated that being a part of the group helped him cope with the stress as an employement at the Oregon State Penitentiary.

Traveling with the Singers

The Salem Singers have traveled extensively throughout the Pacific Northwest for concerts as well as radio and television appearances. They also have made concert tour crusades with Men for Missions, a branch of Oriental Missionary Society (OMS) International, traveling to Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong in 1976; England in 1980; Indiana in 1982; Florida and Haiti in 1984; again to the British Isles in 1990 for the OMS International Conference; and many additional trips to British Columbia, Canada, through the years, most recently they toured Oklahoma and Kansas.

In May 1998, The Salem Singers, including former members, spouses, and friends and supporters joined for a celebration of the group's 50th anniversary. A 60th anniversary is planned for October 4th & 5th, 2008. With two of the group's original 12 members still singing, and others joining, the Salem Singers are looking forward to many more years of "Spreading the Gospel Through Song."

May 20, 2005