In 1933, amidst the Great Depression, J. Robert Crouse Sr. having returned to his hometown of Hartland, Michigan wanted to give area residents an uplifting cultural experience during the Christmas season. Inspired by the universal message of peace and redemption in Handel’s Messiah, he funded and organized the town’s first community chorus performance of the oratorio which was broadcast live via radio. 92 years later, Messiah continues as an annual living memorial to Mr. Crouse and his legacy.
George Frideric Handel embarked on one of his most ambitious projects in the summer of 1741, composing the oratorio Messiah in a remarkable span of only twenty-four days. Drawing on a libretto assembled by Charles Jennens from the King James Bible and the Book of Common Prayer, Handel wove scriptural passages into a dramatic arc that moves from prophecy to resurrection and ends in the promise of eternal life. The composer’s mastery of musical drama shines through every recitative and chorus, but it is the triumphant “Hallelujah” chorus—already famous in his own day—that would secure Messiah’s place in musical history.
Nestled in the quaint village of Hartland, Michigan stands a striking white, church-like building whose origins date to 1858, when members of the First Congregational Church pooled their resources to erect a sanctuary at the cost of $1,800. For 65 years it served its congregation until dwindling membership led to the church’s disbandment in 1923, and the structure fell into disrepair.
In 1929, John Robert Crouse, Sr., purchased the neglected building for $500, determined to give it new life. He enlisted Dr. Emil Lorch, dean of the University of Michigan’s College of Architecture, to plan and oversee a complete renovation. By 1932, the revived hall—now christened Hartland Music Hall—boasted a Greek Revival portico with imposing columns, a stage house, and a marvelous Kilgen pipe organ installed during the conversion. Some say that Henry Ford tried to purchase the beautiful organ but Mr. Crouse refused. The mission of this music hall was to foster creative, social, and educational activities for the rural community. That mission continues today under the able management of Cromaine Library (yet another part of the Crouse legacy).
Since its dedication, the Hartland Music Hall has hosted music festivals, theatrical productions, weddings, and beginning in 1933 became renowned for the annual presentation of Handel’s Messiah. Generations of volunteers and caretakers have preserved its historic charm. In 1980, the Michigan Historical Commission recognized its significance by listing it on the State Register of Historic Sites.
Since that first Messiah performance in 1933 the Hartland Community Chorus has evolved into the present Hartland Messiah Chorus as a 501(c)3 non-profit. Although chorus members and directors have changed over the years, the core tradition that J.R. Crouse established has remained unchanged.
The organ, installed in the early 1930s, has recently completed a $30,000 renovation, restoring this fine instrument to its former glory as the centerpiece of the Hartland Music Hall. When combined with the voices of the Hartland Messiah Chorus, an outstanding string quartet, and the nearly perfect acoustics of the Hartland Music Hall, an unforgettable experience awaits.
Also check out other Festivals in Hartland, Arts events in Hartland, Entertainment events in Hartland.
