Small Muskego Church Makes a Big Joyful Noise

We were invited by Troy Vande Yacht to take in a variety show on Saturday at Heritage Presbyterian Church in Muskego's northeastern corner, and it was clear this small church packs a musical punch.

More than 20 acts were signed up to entertain fellow parishioners and guests to provide a show that would stretch beyond an hour of music and song. Vande Yacht said he was fairly new to the area and the church, but has been impressed with the level of talent and the gift for music that the congregation has.

"We've got a 12-piece brass ensemble, which I don't if many other churches have, and we also have a fantastic music director - Dale Pforr - who does the work of four musical directors here," he said.

The church first assembled in 1959 as a group of 53 people "who wanted to
worship and serve God in Hales Corners," and celebrated a 50 year anniversary just a few years ago. The numbers have grown, but the worship space still reflects a small, close-knit community, with perhaps seating for 250.

Vande Yacht's gifts are relegated to video production, but he said he's usually the one videotaping the events, and has established a YouTube channel for the church to share the sounds of their spirit.