West Coplay Maennerchor commemorated its 100th anniversary Sunday. The festivities began with an honorary member dinner and program paying tribute to those with 25 or more years of service. And it was held in the original hall where it all began in 1915. Most of the 77 honorary members were present for the event.

The Maennerchor was organized May 5, 1915, by a group of men with German and Austrian roots "to further the uplift of the workers through song."

The club has featured a male choir for decades, performing at clubs throughout the region, as well as hosting its annual choral concert.

While its members worked hard in local cement plants and other manufacturing companies as the Industrial Revolution took off, the Maennerchor acted as a refuge for them to gather, play cards, enjoy a beverage, engage in small talk and sing.

Whitehall Township Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. recognized the club's anniversary with a proclamation, indicating the Maennerchor continues to play an important role in the community.

Hozza attested to the club's success when many ethnic social clubs in the region have disappeared.

"It's going really well," Maennerchor President Gene Gyecsek Jr. said.

Gyecsek specifically referred to many improvements the club has made over the years, as well as the club growing its current membership rolls to over 700 men and women.

Referring to Robert Walakovitz as "Mr. Maennerchor," Gyecsek presented Walakovitz, a trustee for decades, with a plaque and named the club's bowling alleys "Robert Walakovitz Lanes."

Martin J. (Marty) Hacker, former president of the club, recalled its history and the many challenges it faced in the beginning.

Hacker said the Maennerchor acted as a hub for a myriad of programs, from volleyball, choral concerts, children's holiday parties, bowling and dancing.

The club is located at Ruch and Ash streets, Stiles.