A Christmas favorite in Southern York County

Glen Rock carolers celebrate longevity
It's long story, read it here:

http://www.ydr.com/story/news/2015/12/07/glen-rock-carolers-singing-longevity/76844984/

Jack Kroh, 66, is the newest Life Member of the Glen Rock Carol singers.On Christmas Eve he will join a group of nine other caped members with 50 years of service to the long-running York County tradition.“It’s a proud moment to make it to 50 years,” Kroh said.Life Member status recognizes older members for their service and allows them to continue to sing with the 50-member group while opening up a slot for an apprentice to become a caped member of the organization.“To do it for 75 years, that is a milestone,” Kroh added, referring to his uncle, Mark Kroh, who achieved that goal in 2004.“I am glad I have been able to be a part of carrying on our family tradition.

It’s a sacrifice in a way because you aren’t with your family on Christmas Eve and you are tired on Christmas day, and you notice that more as you get older, but your family understands this is what you want to do."They understand what it means to you, how important it is to keep on going, to continue to be a part of tradition and the camaraderie you share with the other Carolers,” Jack Kroh said.Caroling is a tradition with many local families but maybe none more so than the Kroh name that has been associated with the Glen Rock Carolers for many years.The late-James "Jim" Kroh, Mark’s brother and Jack’s father, served for 73 years and joked that “if they would have counted the five years he served as the torch bearer he would have passed Mark’s 75 years,” Jack Kroh said.Jack’s brother, Robert Kroh, his sons Robert, Jr., and Todd, are all carolers along with Brent Kroh, Robert Jr’s son, who serving in the military.

Mark’s son, Loren, has been a caroler since 1972 and in addition to his singing has served as president, vice president and director of the group.Director Darryl Engler, who has been a member since 1975 recalled Jim Kroh’s last Christmas with the Carolers.“We were at the square and Jim came up to me and said I am singing this song and then I am going home,” Engler said.Kroh said he would not be at the tree in the morning to sing the last hymn and the “Doxology,” Engler said, so he called out for the singing of “Oh Jesus, Star of the Morning,” Kroh’s favorite hymn, he said.“Jim took his hat off and stood and listened. Someone took a photo and that is the only picture of singing his last carol,” Engler said.

The photo is posted on the Caroler’s website,www.glenrockcarolers.org under 2007.For Jack Kroh and many other singers and their families, the last few moments as they gather around the Christmas tree to sing the closing hymn and the Doxology can be the most moving of the whole experience.“There is just something special about that time. There are a lot of tears. It’s an emotional time for the carolers and their families,” he said.