Mr. and Mrs. Walter E. Yoder Music Scholarship

Walter E. Yoder, who lived from 1889 to 1964, was acknowledged as one of the most innovative music educators of the Mennonite Church. He was respected not only for his leadership in the music department of Goshen College, but for his church-wide contributions to Mennonite Hymnody.

He and his wife, Matilda Schertz Yoder, were the parents of three sons and four daughters, two of whom died early in childhood.

Life of Music

From the time he was ten years old, Walter was interested in music. He played organ, studied at Goshen College under J. D. Brunk, and joined the faculty in 1931 after 17 years of teaching and farming. He received a master’s degree in music from Northwestern University in 1937. Until his retirement from Goshen College in 1957, Walter was head of the music department. Under his leadership the college offered its first music major to students.

While at Goshen Walter was also director of the a cappella, men’s and women’s choruses. In 1936 he traveled with the a cappella chorus in its first spring tour to churches in Illinois. He was well known by the student body for his leading of hymns during chapel.

Hymns

Walter not only directed hymns, but wrote and edited them. One of his most widely known hymns is “Teach Me Thy Truth.” He compiled, along with other music committee members, Life Songs, Junior Hymns, Songs of the Church and the Church Hymnal

Walter was deeply appreciated for his warm, loving, accepting demeanor. He was a creative and dedicated leader who set a great vision for the music of the Mennonite Church, and helped accomplish it.