History
From the very start, the 49ers were a musical force in West Chester, PA; of that there was never any doubt. As the public flocked to concerts in churches, schools, and parks, the simple concept of supply and demand dictated that the 49ers provide more musical opportunities for a community whose collective appetite had been whetted. By necessity, the chorus grew in size and in musical maturity. A group that started with just nineteen members blossomed into a community chorus more than twice that size. As with countless other groups, the 49ers set out with high hopes for a distinguished future. Ward Remington, the chorus’ first director, must be credited with the initial success of the group. A talented musician, born showman, and a warm, genuine leader, Ward nurtured the 49ers for twenty years. It was the spirit of those early years and his inspiring leadership that helped establish this group not just as a chorus, but as a caring and committed bunch of musicians and friends who were willing to go the extra mile for their audiences and for each other.
A suggestion from Rev. J.G. Kell at an executive meeting of the men’s Bible class was the starting, or formation, of a young couples club, such as “The Mariners” at Westminster. Many more meetings were held at the homes of each of the couples of his planning committee, but the name was born at the meeting at the home of the Ed Jefferis’ when Bill Matteson suggested that since we had an age limit (twice 49), why not call ourselves the “49ers” or “Forty Niners.”
Then a whole new theme was born, and the Forty Niners breathed a new life for all young married couples of the First Presbyterian Church of West Chester, PA, and for prospective members and friends.
Invitations were sent to every possible couple of the church and all prospective members. The first meeting as Forty Niners was called on November 10, 1951, and the committee felt rewarded for all their efforts, because this first meeting was a tremendous success. And since that first meeting, the 49ers have grown as a group and community over the years. All of our shows are created, staged, and produced entirely by our chorus members.
– Excerpt from “The Forty Niners Chorus: A Sentimental Journey” 2005 by Kristin Jensen McGuckin, former 49ers director.
