Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1853-06-09
Local lnteIIigencemCity Affairs, &c
RICHMOND SACRED MUSIC SOCIETY

L" ooeuience 10 oy-law OF the Richmond Sa-
cred NJ usic Society, the managers respectfully
submit to this meeting the first annual repor,
OF their transactions and of the progress and con-
dtion of the schools which are in connection
with the society.
The statements of the treasurer. herewith
submitted, win show the condition of the fnan.
ces.
Immediately after the organization of the Soci-
ETY., (Which took place on the 18th May, 1852, J
steps were taken to ascertain the names of ladies'
and gentlemen who were DESTROYS of becom
ing members. In short time. the number
amounted to 1855; of whom SO are ladies' and 90
gentlemen. OF the latter there are 81 perform
ing, and 25 non-performing members.
While performing this part of their duties.
the managers turned their attention to the mean
of procuring place for the weekly meetings of
the Society. Understanding that it was doubt.
full whether it would be consistent with the views
of the trustees to permit the continued SO of the
room which had been occupied for some time,
they endeavored to procure the lecture room in
the Atheueum. They thought it admirably we'll
suited to the purpose, aud that arrangements
could readily be made to prevent any obstruction
occurring to the use heretofore made of it for
other purposes. Accordingly they applied for
permission to the City Council. and based their
application on the public object which the Socie-
-ty have in view-yiz +: to promote the cultivation
of sacred music throughout the community of
Richmond on such favorable terms that all class
es even those who can afford to pay nothing for
tuition, would enjoy the benefit OF their labors.-
The City Council were, however, epprehensive
that arrangements could Tot be made to prevent
Interference with The other purposes for which
the room is used. and declined to grant the appli-
cation. If the labors of the Society continue to
be blessed, al they have heretofore be en-. and the
public benefits anticipated shall be realized, as
the managers believe they will be, it is hoped
thas the City Council will look upon the Society
public benefactors, and as such be inclined to
extend to them such encouragement as proper
regard on their part to public good, may seem to
justify.
The managers, on being thus disappointed
made application for permission to use the lecture
room of the Second Presbyterian Church, to
which final answer has not yet been received.
But they have been kindly permitted to make
use of it for the present. for which the cordial
thanks of the Society are due to the trustees and
pastor Of that church.
The managers, on behalf of the society," return
their thankful Acknowledgements for the use
which had been allowed OF the lecture room of
the United Presbyterian church. Soon after the
re-commencement of the society's meetings last
fall, steps were taken by the ma nngers to effect
one of their shief objects-the establishment Of
schools for tuition ia sacred music ia va
rious locations throughout the city. Five were
selected at different points from the eastern to
the western line, and the whole we're placed un-
der the general superinte ndence of Mr.. Stevens,
conductor of the society. The experiments made
to establish them failed at some points, but
succeeded at others; and there now, under his
own charge, one juvenile and two adult schools
in very successful operation. Two prominent
and very useful members of the society have also
established schools, Mr.. Minge having an adult
school at the Second Baptist Church, and u-
venile school on Church Hill, and Mr. Hanon
two adult schools, one on Shockoe Hill and the
other on Church Hill. The schools of these
gentlemen also in very successful operation.
Such assistance it was 10 the power of the
society to afford to these schools, by the exer-
tions of members ia their behalf and free admis-
sion to their concerts, has been given. The
terms Of tuition we're made very low, aud spe
cial privilege was resumed by the managers to
place as pupils free of charge, those who might
be unable to pay anything. TO adult scholars
the charge is about 10 cents, and to children l
Ill -,
pensation they receive lesson of two hours
duration Of most thorough character. Not only
is the voice cultivated by exercise, but the intel
ieetis required to be 10 close, active and vigorous
exertiou. This training enables them, in truth
to sing, both with the spirit and with the under
standing. One result of these schools is already
produced-about rs ladies' and gentlemen are
pate in their exercises.
This, however, ia but the commencement of
good. The taste thus cultivated will be exer-
cised in divine worship in the church aud in the
music of the family circle. Those who have
heretofore not thought of studying music, seeing
how rational, delightful and elevnting to the
heart sacred music is. will be stimulated to &C.
quire it; young men, so few of whom now
take part in the music of the social circle, will
acquire a taste for it. and by its means be kept
from scenes of dissipation which often terminate
in their becoming burtliens to their families and
to society,
On an occasion like the present, there is not
time to do more than glance at the good which
this Society mny effect nor is it proper fully to
estimate it. That the members belong to. and
attend the Churches of nearly all denominations,
chat their constitution expressly discaims every
denominational distinction, and that they associate
with each other in the kindest christian spirit