The Wheeling Metro Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society was officially founded in Martins Ferry, Ohio
on May 26, 1982.
In order to become an official member of the society, the charter members needed to be sponsored by an existing chapter.
A declaration of sponsorship was sent to the the S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A (Society for the Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America) headquarters in Kenosha, WI on June 9, 1981.
Report of licensed officers and membership for the newly-chartered chapter was sent to Kenosha on June 9, 1981.
Form of Agreement for Affiliation of Wheeling-Metro Chapter was granted on May 26, 1982.
The chapter's first meeting place was the Martins Ferry Elks Club at 14 North 4th Street in Martins Ferry, Ohio.
List of Charter Members
Jim Porter, Wheeling WV*
George Burwell, Yorkville, Ohio*
Bob Templeton, Wheeling, WV*
Paul Raab, Shadyside, Ohio
Paul Burnett, Wheeling, WV
Don Heskett, Rayland, Ohio
Al Knapp, Wheeling, WV***
Ron Warren, Moundsville, WV
Walter Hill, Martins Ferry, Ohio
Harry Wayt, Wheeling, WV *
Richard DiProsperis, Wheeling, WV
William Hill, Martins Ferry, Ohio
Fred Govern, Triadelphia WV
George Gross, Wheeling, WV*
Bob Reitz, St. Clairsville, Ohio*
Larry Newcomer, Martins Ferry, Ohio
Tom Tobin, Martins Ferry, Ohio
Frank Warner, Wheeling, WV *
Charles Coleman, Wheeling, WV
Gomer Davies, St. Clairsville, Ohio**
William Coleman, Martins Ferry, Ohio
Joseph Ontko, Martins Ferry, Ohio
Tony Allred, Wheeling, WV
Michael Davis, New Martinsville, WV
Greg Cecil, Moundsville, WV
Travis Smith, Martins Ferry, Ohio
Virgil Smith, Moundsville, WV
*Denotes Active Chapter Member until death
**Denotes Active Chapter Member through 2008
***Denotes Currently Active Chapter Member
Special thanks to chorus member Ray Miller for providing the information for this page.
Photo Archives: 1989 Chapter PhotoUndated Chapter Photo