Mannenkoor ''Elim'', 's-Gravenpolder
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It was in the summer of 1994 that plans were made to establish a men's choir in the Zeeland village of 's-Gravenpolder.
On October 7, 1994, after a lot of preparation, the time had come to meet in a founding meeting in a hall of the Elim Church of the Reformed Church. More than sixty men signed up. Truly a good start! The choir was given the name "Men's Choir Elim". This name is derived from the name of the Elim Church in which the municipality of 's-Gravenpolder meets. That same evening, under the direction of the choir's first conductor, Jan van Zweden from Krabbendijke, rehearsals began. The choir was accompanied by Pieter Heykoop, the choir's first organist. In the months following its founding, membership grew steadily. The choir members came not only from 's-Gravenpolder, but also from the surrounding towns. Yes, even from other parts of the province of Zeeland. Soon, the choir was performing in public. Already on Christmas Day, Elim was present at the Christmas carol evening, which was organized by the Mixed Choir V.Z.O.S. from 's-Gravenpolder.
The choir became more and more known, not only within the region but also beyond! On March 30, 1996, the choir performed for the first time outside the province, in the Havenkerk in Alblasserdam. Yes, we even sang in England in the summer of 1996. We sang for Dutch audiences in the Dutch Church in London. Elim has made itself heard in many places. But it is special in the Great or Mary Magdalene Church in Goes. Traditionally, the choir organizes an Orange singing and organ evening here on Queen's Day, which is known in the wider area and which attracts a large audience every year.
In March 1998 the baton was taken over from conductor Van Zweden by conductor André Overbeeke. Until then, André was the reserve conductor of Elim.
He was conductor of Elim until 1 July 2005. He has always carried out this task with great enthusiasm and commitment. On 1 September 2005 the baton was taken up again by Jan van Zweden. For the second time, Elim is under his leadership! In 2004 the choir celebrated its 10th anniversary. To mark the occasion, throughout 2004, a campaign was held for the committee on holiday weeks for the disabled of the Reformed Congregations.
