WORKERS' SONG

Composer: Frank De Vries

Frank DeVries was born in 1929 in Langsa, Indonesia. He grew up in Holland, emigrated to Canada in 1952, and in 1953 married Celia, his childhood sweetheart. He and his wife are the parents of six children, two of which are deceased. After obtaining Royal Conservatory degrees in theory and harmony, Frank and his wife moved to Grand Rapids where Frank graduated from Calvin College in 1962. Upon their return to Canada Frank taught at Pacific Christian School in Victoria, BC, and was principal at the John Knox Christian School in Wyoming, Ontario and the Houston and Vancouver Christian Schools both in BC. The author of two short novels (God. Noun or Verb? in 2006 and Frans in 2008) he has contributed articles to many Christian magazines… Go to person page >

Harmonizer: Dale Grotenhuis

Dale Grotenhuis (b. Cedar Grove, WI, 1931; d. Jenison, Mi, August 17, 2012) was a member of the 1987 Psalter Hymnal 1987 Revision Committee, and was professor of music and director of choral music at Dordt College, Sioux Center, Iowa, from 1960 until he retired in 1994 to concentrate on composition. Educated at Calvin College; Michigan State University, Lansing; and Ohio State University, Columbus; he combined teaching with composition throughout his career and was a widely published composer of choral music. He also directed the Dordt choir in a large number of recordings, including many psalm arrangements found in the 1959 edition of the Psalter Hymnal. Before coming to Dordt, Grotenhuis taught music at Christian high schools in Washin… Go to person page >

WORKERS' SONG was named in honor of "workers," specifically the many members of the Christian Labor Association of Canada.

Known for years in a melody-only score (sometimes with added guitar chords), this tune was harmonized for the Psalter Hymnal by Dale Grotenhuis. Sing in harmony with voices full of confidence and joy for the blessing of daily work done for Christ's sake.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook