The GOCC Choir has been directed by Richard "Dick" Harleman since long time director Pat Hopper retired in the spring of 2020. Dick Harleman hails from Lehighton, Pennsylvania. Dick is a retired pharmacist having operated his own pharmacy for 23 years then working for several chain pharmacies as a relief pharmacist.
Growing up, Dick studied piano privately and later received instruction on the pipe organ through his relationship with the Evangelical Congregation Church. At his home church, he taught an adult Sunday School class, held various church offices and did guest preaching there and at several Methodist churches. Musically, he sang in the choir and served as church pianist. When the choir director became ill, he stepped into the position, which he held for 15 more years.
Civically, Dick is proud to be an Eagle Scout, member of Kiwanis International, a Certified High School Basketball Official and to have served two terms as President of the Lehighton Area School District Board of Education.
Dick and his wife Sue, are full time residents of TGO and Dick enjoys playing golf. Dick also enjoys fishing and most of all, camping with his grandchildren.
The Great Outdoors Community Church is blessed to have a large number of gifted vocalists in its congregation. Under the direction of Dick Harleman, the Chancel Choir, consisting of up to 60 voices, sing an anthem almost every Sunday. They also join in the congregational singing of several hymns. Their two musicals, at Christmas and Easter with a special Night of Music performance in February, are a special joy to behold as they tell of the birth of our Savior and of His death annd resurrection through music, spoken narration, and often video.
Choir members practice from 10 a.m. to noon on Fridays and again Sunday morning prior to the Worship Service. Additional rehearsals for the musicals begin about four weeks prior to the musical's performance. No prior experience or auditions are required to become a choir member - just a love for music and a desire to honor our Lord Jesus Christ through your singing. Those interested in joining the choir should contact our Music Director, Dick Harleman.