Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1883-05-04
Ghe. &ree 4ress.
CAUh CHI music.
The High standard of Chui CHI Music
TO b. maintained.

TO b. nNtntuincd
The did, rent religious denominations in
our city have always been interested iu
maintaining, in connection with their wor-
ship, high standard Of vocal anil insru.
mental music. Music, In al Of our churches,
is recognized as ono OF the principal clements
OF religious worship and praise. A great
deal of time and attention, AS well as ex-
pensc, is put into this department Of
church work by all of our societies.
Our church Choirs comprise much
Of tie best vocal talent TO he found iu the
vicinity, and all Of our churches have accom-
piishcd and efficient organis,s. In several OF
our churchts the music provided from week
TO week ia Of an ORDER winch could not be
rendered by any but trained and gifted
musicians, and aside from adding to the
interest and effectiveness of religious wUr-
ship. these ohoirs have done much to raise
the standard of musical excellence in our
city. 1t may be said also, that they have
done Much good, indirectly, by attracting
would not he likely to bc brought
under religious influences 10 any other
way. On the whole, we are Inclined to think
that good church choir music is one Of the
most valuable means 81 church work 1t
helps fill the seats-and that is great in
spiration TO both pastor and people-and,
when properly conducted, it has good effect
upon tic listener, especially in preparing for
or enforcing the thought Of the hour. Much
OF the value Of church music, especially of
choir music, We are inclined to think. is lost
by divorcing it from harmony with the rest
of the service. The thought presented in all
tho f,,rpa pf ,ynr.hi, luripr r;van cor
vice, should be the same aud we think more
good might be accomplished by an under
standing between pastor and choir ID this
effect.
Several Of our Church choirs have been
reorganized, lately and all are entering upon
new year of activity. 1t may be well TO
notice more in detail, II, this time, the present
membership, the work and prospects of each.
Tho Choir Mt ST. Paups Church.
There has never been time when the
musical part Of the service at st. Paul's
church was better conducted than at
present. The singing Is led by an exc llcnt
quartette, consisting of Miss Clara l.. Pcrson,
soprano; Mrs. Alice g. Van Nance, alto;
Mr.. ). ID. Hopkins, tenor, and Dir. l.. H..
Tobey, bass. MIR. Tobcy is the director of
the choir, and his long experience and fine
musical tusie are evident in all its work. Mr..
John Henry Hopkins will retain his position
as orgahist until the summer months. when,
we regret to learn, bis iu ure plans will neces-
state mis- retiring from tho office which he
has filed with iine ability for SO long His
place is 10 be supplied by Mr.. Sell, Of Glare
mont, n. H., a gentleman of exc ptonai
musical talent and thorough orsauist
Under the direction of Mr. Self, boys and
mems chi r will be organized immediately.
and, rs Mr. Self will give the best part Of his
time To tie work OF drilling aud instIuctng
This new force OF singers, very effective
and inl,rrstin. addition to the musical SER
vius OF the church may be expected. The
qumt'itc, we Understand, will no. disband
uuj.l suilc tine i'll tine summer.
The Choir u. The EIrst BaptIst Church.
Tie list BAPTIST chl ch has nov one of
III" Ilns chords cnlir Ia he State. 1t was
orgnniz,d, nut long ago, by Mr.. NJ. u. Full
LEI, ana il ROW uud + his direction aud in
atiu.t,on. lie luuslc rcnGcrcd ty the Choir
US i Of high quality, and the effect, in the
igc audience room of the church is exceed
in,'ly fin. The choir is led and assisted by
the wcil-known "Amphion" male quartettc.
which las earned high reputation through
cut lie slate Tor It's superior singing This
qualtr;lc is composed Of Mtssis, l. Van Bus
kiik, first lie or, ". \. Saw, second tuuor,
{. ID. Watson, first bass VI. ID. Fuller, sec
ond inSs. They expect to sing with the
Baptist choir throughout tile season, and
viii add very much to the interest of the
musc,l exercises. Mr.. Chas. l.. Tracy, a
gentleman Of excellent musical taste and
ability, has been secured us oiganist, and
Nr ,,ll.a
sition of musical director.
Tho Choir Of the First congregational
church.
Some changes have recently been made in
the choir of the First Congregational church,
which is now composed of the fol-
lowing singers; Miss Fanny Lemon,
Soprano Miss l.. A. Mayo, alto, Mr.. Geo. F.
Bell, tenor Dir. Thomas Rose, bass. The
choir is good one, aud is rapidly improv-
ing. All the Singers have remarkably fine
voices, and practice will soon secure for them
the balance and harmony attained by older
choirs. Mr. &. W. Davis retains his posi-
ton as organist. The First Congregational
church has always had one of the very best
quaric.te choirs in the city, and with the
present talent at its command, its musical
services will continue to increase in interest.
The Unitarian Church Choir.
The Unitarian church was the pioneer OF
fiIst-class church music in our community,
and for many years it has taken the lead in
quartette singing. 1t has had by far the
most permanent musical organization In the
city, and the singing has always been of
uniform excellence. Col. Hindes has been
musical director for more than eight cinse-
cu,ive years, and it is largely owing 10 his
musical ability and taste that the Unitarian
choir has maintained its high standing. The
present quarlette consists Of Mrs.
ldah /. Wing, Soprano, Miss Mary Phinney,
alto, Mr.. ID. +. Hatch, tenor and Mr.. Geo.
w. Hiudts, bass. Mr.. G. f. Macomber, the
popular and accomplished musician, retains
his position as organist during the coming
year. We understand that it is the intention
Of the choir 10 bring out some fine new
church music this season. The series of par
Tor concerts just closed shows the musical
ability and taste Of The singers, and there is
no doubt but that The choir will reach even
higher point Of excellence 10 the future than
1t has secured In the past.
The Choir of the Third Congregational
Church.
'"e A"''u O'pSi'b"hohu ChuiCu nab hn
excellent volunteer choir under the leader
ship and instruction Of Prof. N. II. Thomp-
son. The ciass OF music presented is more
simple than that Of many OF the older choirs,
but is admirably adapted to devotional wor-
ship. The choir was organized, principally,
10 lead IN Congregational singing, and in this
respect II adds very much to the effectiveness
oi pubic worship. Mr.. Geo. +. Moody, the
capable Cr4anist of the church, retains his
position, ard Prof Thompson will continue
10 act rs II Gsical director.
The nethodI.t Church Choir.
Definite arr ingements for the year have
not ytt hecn made by the committee in
chnrsc Of 'he music at the Meth ldist church.