A Brief History
the Niagara Regional Choral Society "Voice of Praise"
The “Voice of Praise” choir traces its history back to the early 1950’s. The newly formed Canadian Reformed Church in Smithville, Ontario, was full of recent immigrants from the Netherlands who were looking for a reason to come together to socialize and get to know each other better. During one of their social evenings the idea of a choir was born. Organist Joop VanRietschoten helped the enthusiastic singers give a premier performance. It was so well received that an official “Choral Society” was formed in 1960 with Joop as the very first director. They chose the name “Voice of Praise”. Men, women and young people came together every Tuesday evening to socialize and to sing their hearts out.* Concerts were given at Christmas, Easter, or a general spring concert. The choir sang a variety of music, from Psalter selections to classic masterpieces. At the beginning most of the pieces were sung in the Dutch language. After Joop Van Rietschoten the choir was directed by Jenny VanWoudenberg, Clarence Dam, John VanHuisstede, John Zwart, Joe VanderBrugghen, Lloyd Kingma and John Van Iperen. It is currently under the direction of Francine Van Iperen and still meets on Tuesday evenings.
“Voice of Praise” has participated in several Mass Choirs over the years. The most recent event was the 2023 “Combined Voices in Praise” concerts which took place in the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate in Guelph and Mountianview CRC in Grimsby with several other choirs, the Guido Senior Band, and various independent singers and instrumentalists.
From small beginnings with one Smithville congregation, Voice of Praise now has members from all over the Niagara peninsula as well as some members from Hamilton, Burlington and beyond.
*Information taken from Growing in the LORD, Choral Society – “Voice of Praise” by P. Heemskerk Sr. & W. Schulenberg p. 177-8.
