Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1880-02-26
The Scotch Minister and His Fiddle.

In all ages and all localities have existed
clergymen having many traits of fine feel
ing, mastery attainments in their pulpit
minlstration, and yet addicted TO frequent
touches of eccentricIty Of character. Pos
sessing all the qualifications of a popular
minister was the Rev. Mr.. W, who
filed one of the Secession pulpits in G.,
yet music seemed TO be the ruling passion
in his life. When in more than ordinary
strain of eloquence, he would begin long
sentence on the lowest note of the gamut,
and would in semi-quaver style run TO the
top of the scale, where, pauslRg moment,
he would descend the scale in the lowest
and most marked mood; as if descending a
stair step by step, he would dunt down word
by word till he reached the starting point.
With his fine flexible voice, and finely
tuned musical ear, the effect was rather
pleasant, and very noticeable by stranger.
Mr. Was beloved by his congrega-
tion, but his passion for fiddling gave
offence TO some of the strait-laced old
burgherlineal descendants of the Purit,ns.
/ His proficiency on the violin was equalled
if rot excelled by Mrs. VS. perform
ance on the pianoforte. II was a treat of
10 ordinary kind to hear husband and wife
wailing out some of the old Highland
coronachs similar in pathos TO the
"Wounded Hussar." No other word OF
reproach was raised against the dear, good
man by the IHlco quid, but aye the cuckoo
CRY, Hes far DER fond o. the feeble" 4"
The frequency of these croakings were be-
ginning to attract the notice of the elders,
so, to put to silence the voice of these distin-
gushed friends, meeting of sessions was
convened privately, al which it was agreed
deputation should wait on Mr.. W,
and give a gentle remonstrance and hint to
be less denonstrative in his musical pro-
clivities. Friday evening ensuing was ap-
pointed for the performance of this deli
cate task, but deputation could not be
formed to face the trying ordeal. After
denials and proposals, it was ultimately
arranged that the whole session should go.
Ere Friday came some kind friends ap-
prised Mr. W of the whole scheme,
and, as "a warned man is half armed"
Mr.. W was prepared for the emer-
gency. Precisely at eight o'clock a friendly
tinkle sounded at the door-bell. Ready
waiting TO receive his guests, though they
knew not a spy supposed to be the beadle)
had forestalled the depu.atiOn, Mr.. W
seemed surprised to see so many dear
friends, and expressed the pleasure it gave
him to have all his session at once as visi-
tors Mr. T. took speech in hand and
said, 1--WE were almost afraid to call =,
hearing music when we came forward we
thought you had company. Laughingly
Mr.. W-said, "Yes, we have company
goodly company of good company. The
wife has recently got present of some new
music from grandpa, and we were just run
ming over it together. Well just let you hear a
few pieces we think it very fine" With
out waiting for assent to his proposal, the
reverend gentleman brought his cremona
Mrs. W sat down to the piano. and
for fully an hour the company of elders, or
remonstrants, were with coronachs, High
land walls, operatic music, reels, and
strathspey kept entranced. When a pause
was made, the pleased listeners looked
from one to the other as much as TO say,
"Now's your chance to speak" AS if
divining the thoughts OF his dumb stricken
session, Mr.. W again produced his
fiddle and setting the string on a peculiar
key, gave them a fine imitation of the
Highland bagpipes and followed with u
charming selection of operatic overtures,
marches, patriotic music such as ''Scots
wha haze" Reverting in a moment from
grave to gay, he gave the then popular
street air in the mouth of every gamin,
"Pop goes the weasel, and, as finale, he
gave them, in style that made the most
of them beat time with their heels, their
hearts being in unison with the hddler's,
'Deil among the tailors." They came
away as they went in, and, when the story
got abroad, the minister was praised, and
the croakers laughed at. Truly it may be
said, he gave the elders cordial welcom"
in, and tiddled them out we'll pleased with
the entertainment, but heartily despising
themselves for their want of courage to dis
charge the duty, the cause of their visit.
Pity It's that more of the clerics don't re-
sort to the fiddle as pastime.