The Paashaus Brothers

Gospel Singing "Squires"

Budd, Dan, and Rick Paashaus grew up in the 1950's and 60's just outside of Middletown, New York. They and their two younger siblings were raised by caring Christian parents who taught them the importance of ministry from a young age. Simple folks, Harry and Doris Paashaus knew that faith, family, and friends came first. Their home was a haven for more than 50 children in Foster care over a 25 year period of time. The old stone house was a welcome sight to hundreds of friends over the years who found Paashaus Hospitality to be warm and inviting. It was in that house that the older Paashaus Brothers learned to sing around the spinet piano. They sang the great hymns of the faith along with the Gospel music they heard on the radio, played on their Philco record player, and remembered from concerts they attended. Before the British Invasion had its impact or Woodstock took place, the brothers were impacted by the music from people like the Couriers with Dave, Duane and Neil; James, JD, and the rest of the Blackwood Brothers Quartet; the Cathedrals, Stamps, Statesmen, and more. It was the merging of great hymns with the Gospel Music of their day that found its way into the natural harmonies Budd, Dan, Rick, and their friend Steve practiced over and over again and then presented in their tiny home church in Crystal Run. They sang in other churches, concerts, youth rallies, schools, and community events. As the word spread invitations came to sing on area radio stations and in concert with other musicians. They took the name "The Squires," based on the fact that in medieval times the squire was totally committed to one purpose: serving the King. That was the goal of these young boys...to serve the King of Kings alone.

One of their greatest memories is the day Dave Kyllonen of the Couriers called and set up a date to come to Middletown to sing with three teenage boys and encourage them in their ministry. Concerts with the Couriers, Kings Keynotes, Rebels, Envoys, and Eastmen Quartet followed and the boys loved every minute of it. They were great days of ministry and celebration of faith in song.

College, marriage, and relocation eliminated the opportunity for the Squires to stay together to sing on a regular basis. Budd studied for the ministry and has served as Pastor of several churches in New York State. Currently he preaches every Sunday in Ravena, New York and has his own piano tuning business. Dan has a pastoral ministries degree from United Wesleyan College and after serving several churches is a mental health professional living in Cottekill, New York. Rick is on the pastoral staff at Calvary Bible Fellowship Church in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania where he has served since 1976. All three men are involved in music ministry in their churches. Paul and Gary Stempert, also raised in the Paashaus family, are enjoying their lives in the Northeast.

Mom and Dad Paashaus are gone now. The stone house in Middletown is vacant. Even the church where they first sang is gone. But their song goes on in the churches and communities they serve. We thank Uncle Don, Bill and remember John's voice singing on in our memories. Over the years the brothers have come together for special events and it has been Dan's dream to plan a tribute to honor the groups and music which so influenced them.

On September 29, 2007 the Paashaus Brothers will host the Blackwood Brothers from Memphis, the former Couriers (Dave, Duane and Neil) and Murali Coryell (Son of Larry Coryell and Blues artist singing gospel) 7PM at the Ulster Performing Arts Center, Kingston, NY. For tickets, call (845) 339-6088, Ticketmaster (845) 454-3388 or e-mail Dan at olla72@hotmail.com.