The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1883-01-17

IN JTSTCS HEfFLEN.-
The following was adopted by the choir Of
which he was a member, January :, 1883:
Irwin J, Heffley, organist of Trinity choir
of the Evangelical Lutheran church of
Somerset, died December &c. loS2
In this sad ~dispensation of Providence
Trinity choir has suffered a loss that can
never be repaired. Socially he was
much endeared to all the members of the
choir, as his tastes, habits and manHers were
such as to win the respect, the confidence
and the esteem of all his associates. But it
Is not III a social way that his death is most
keenly felt and depiOred. IL was his extra
ordinary musical powers and his constant
willingness to turn them to the best account
that make it impossible to fill his place in
the choir aud in s,riety.
Notwithstanding the want of a thorough
musical training and other adverse circum-
stances surrounding him, bis talent for mu
sic asserted itself; not simply in the artistic
rendering of the music of Others, but espe-
cially SO in the writings and composition
emanating from his own en-. 1t is not too
much to say that many of his compositions,
both vocal and instrumental, are equal to
anything of their cla~s ever written by any
one. and their merit is attested by all who
have used them.
Many of his pieces have been copyright
ed. printed and published by himself, whilst
many Others We're issued BY other music
publishers in various parts of the country.
Notwithstanding the prestige his talents and
compositions naturally gave him, he re-
manned exceedingly modest, and was al
ways inclined to depreciate rather han ex-
alt his own humble efforts. A profound
Christian spirit permeated his whole life,
and characterized his every act. Ever
punctual in fulfilling his engagements and
prompt in performing his duties, he was al
ways at his place as organist on every occa-
sion of religious service or meeting of the
choir. unless away from home or absent on
account of sickness. Frequently during the
past year he was at his post of duty when
scarcely able to walk, thus denying bimsei
of comfort and ease in bis eagerness TO serve
the church and the choir. But he was gone
to his reward. and as members of Trinity
choir we bow in humble submission To the
Divine " i'll, feeling that our loss is his eter-
nal gain.
II is our desire that this feeble testimonial
to his worth and imperfect ex Expression of our
esteem be placed upon the records of the
choir rs a tribute to the memory of our la
menfed brother. and also that a copy be pre-
scented to his bereaved wife, to whom we
extend our deepest sympathy.
The following was adopted at a congrega-
tional meeting Of Trinity Evangelical Lu-
ihean church Of Somerset January 7. 1888.
and ordered tn be recorded in the minutes:
WHEREAS, God in His i~nscrutahle Prov
idence has taken away frrm us by death
our Behaved brother, Irwin J. Heffley, there
fore we, as a congregation, record to the
memory of our deceased brother the follow
ing tribute:
Irwin J. Hetfiey. who WIS haptiz-d in his
infancy and received into this church bv
! confirmation IN his Youth. won nnr esteem
ana CONN tenre by hlS earnest. active Chris
tian life; and in his devotion to the church.
challenged our highest admiration Pos
sessed If rare musical ability, his talents
were devoiedly consecrated to the cause Of
his Saviour. and his labors in the church in
the choir. and in the SUNDAY school, which
were all given gratuiiouslv and cheerfully,
had very much endeared him to us. and rem
der ms deeply sensible 10 the irreparnbIe loss
We have sustained To the bereaved wife,
parents. brother and sisters we extend our
sympathy. and assure them that We share in
their affictinns and sorrow.
j. ]. HOFFMAN,
j. b SNYDER,
@. W. PnE.
Committee.