story and photos by Christina Paolucci

Covington, Ky. - Established in 1938, the Mother of God Choral Club offers a mixed voice choir singing classical music in the sacred nature accompanied by a once original Khoehnken and Grimm organ installed in 1876. In the beginning, all parishioners were invited to join the club, but then it was later extended to interested singers outside the parish. Organist and Director Carol Jenkins, 55, said the design of the church was built with sound in consideration, so they do not use the aid of microphones for their music because of the perfect acoustics.

Jenkins, an organist for 28 years, says that worship is in a state of going toward contemporary music, especially with the growth of the mega church. She says that very few churches offer classical selections. Mother of God has an aging choir with the majority singing for more than 30-years and a few over 50-years. Several members are no longer able to climb the three flights of stairs to the choir loft she said. She added that less traditional music is being offered in schools or do not have a music program at all. She added that few services in the area that offer a choir worship.

Over the years, it became a family affair for some. Sisters Carole, 70, and Andrea, 53, Lonneman joined in 1971 recruiting their father with them. Carole says singing and worshiping as a family is a neat experience. “It is a chance to see your parents in a new way,” she said. Many romances grew out of the club leading to several marriages. Jerry and Pat Bogenschutz joined in 1957, 1960 respectively. Pat says she was recruited by Jerry to come sing and a first she said they would socialize as a group after practice, but started dating after about a year, then married in 63.

The church has a rich history. It was built in 1870 and is known for having an iconic view with twin steeples seen throughout downtown Covington, Kentucky and across the river in Cincinnati, Ohio. Once inside, the Italian Renaissance basilica design offers a spectacular view to be observed throughout the church with the Choral Club singing classical selections from the choir loft, the unique stain glass windows imported from Munich in 1890, and Renaissance paintings surrounding the architecture. The parish draws members throughout the area of Northern Kentucky because of its traditional and modern music offered in a later service. Its location to local hotels, conventions centers and sport arenas bring in many visitors to the Sunday services who may find themselves pleasantly surprised about what they see and hear.

A multimedia story of lifelong friends who share their perspective on days they thought would never end.

Alto singers Mary Ann Kallmeyer, Carol Imbus and Laurel Greis sing in the choir loft at Mother of God in Covington, Ky.

A video-short of five women swimming in harmony together.

The iconic twin towers as seen throughout downtown Covington.

Northern Kentucky edition

April, 2009

Copyright 2009

Christina Paolucci

Photographer

Issue 1