The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-02-24
Tho Scotch Minister and His Fiddle.

In all ages and all localities have existed
clcrgymen having many traits of fine feel
ing, mastery attainments in their pulpit
minstration, and yet addicted to frequent
touches of ecccntricIty of character Pos
sessng all the qualifications of popular
minister was the Rev. Mr.. W, who
filled 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 tho gamut,
and would in n semi-quaver style run to the
top of the scale, where, pausing a moment,
he would descend the scale in the lowest
and most marked mood as if descending Il
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.
MIR. W---was beloved by his congrcga-
tion, but his passion for fiddling gave
offence to some of tho strait-laced old
burghcrlincal descendants Of the Puritins
His proficiency on the violin was equalled
if not eXcclled by Mrs We perform
auce on the panoforte. 1t was treat of
no ordinary kind to hear husband and wife
c ronuchs similar in pathos TO tho
reproach was raised against tho dear, good
man by the atnco qlid, but aye the cuckoo
cry, Giles far DER fond O. the feeble"
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-
gulshcd friends, meeting of sessions was
,>riU fn1 al ipI, 4
deputation should wait on Nr. W.,
and give gentle remonstrancc and hint to
be less demonstrative in his musical pro-
clivitics. 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 90.
Ere Friday came some kind friends ar-
p1ised Dlr. W of the whole scheme.
and, as "a warned man is half armcdi
Mr.. w. was prepared for the emcr-
gency. Precisely at eight o'clock friendly
tinkle sounded at the door Ready
waiting to receive his guests, though they
knew not spy (supposed to be the beadle)
had forestallcd 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 rs visi-
tors. MIR. L. took speech in hand and
said, eve were almost afraid to call
hearing music when we came forward, we
thought you had company. Laughingly
Mr. W--said, eyes, we have company
a goodly company Of good company. The
wife has recently got present of some new
music from grandpa, and we were just run
nj har Wn,1 i,,of Inf hoo
few pieces we think it very fine." With
reverend gentleman brought his cremona.
for fully IN hour the company of elders, or
remonslrants' were with coronaehs, High;
land walls, opcratic music, reels, and
strathspey kept entranced. When pause
was made, tho pleased listeners looked
"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 o peculiar
key, gave them a fine imitation of tho
charming selection of operatic overtures,
wlia haze Reverting in 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 tlddler's,
"De'il among tho tailors." They came
away as they went in, and, when tho story
got abroad, the minister was praised, and
the croakers laughed at. Truly it may be
said, he gave the elders cordial welcome
in, and tiddled them ont 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 'tis that more of tho c}erics don't re.
sort to the fiddle as a pastimc.