St Joseph Mayor Bill Falkner on Saturday night gave the key to the city to Byron and Phyllis Myers, founders of the New Generation Singers.

Mayor Falkner made the presentation on stage at the Missouri Theater during the intermission of Saturday’s performance of the St Joseph Symphony.

The vocal group performed on several selections with the orchestra during the Yuletide Pops program Saturday night.

Byron and Phyllis Myers founded the New Generation Singers in 1970 after a Christmas program at Wyatt Park Christian Church.  In a description of the group Phyllis Myers said the New G Singers is an “organization where young people can be introduced to, and grow in their Christian faith.

Students from throughout the region rehearse each Sunday to prepare for season of performances, including a 15-day tour each summer.

“Life-long friendships have been formed,  More than 40 couples who met within the group have married,  including my son Bemo,” Phyllis Meyers says.

Byron “Bemo” Meyers II has been the musical director for the group since 1998.