Morning journal and courier., 1891-03-06
ahle that the DIR. Watts version, introduc

able that the DIR. Watts version, 1ntrOouc-
ed by Mr.. Trumbuil was used until Presi-
dent Dwight's revised edition of the same
was ready in 1900. A copy of the second
edition Of the same issued in 1904 and once
belonging to Joel Humaston is in good
preservation. (9 This was used until
7'Psalms" Ia collection remembered for its
fac simile autographs of Messrs. Day, Ty,-
Ter, Fitch, Halves and Baconl was put
forth by the General association in 1915.
Copies Of the latter can be found p1enti-
fully scattered through the community.
This book held its place for twenty-five
years more or less, and gave way to the
Songs of the Sanctuary in 1872 and at
! present in use.
| A MODERN INNOVATION.
| The date of the introduction of printed
notes into the choir gallery is alike uncer-
tain with that of hymn books and musical
instruments. The Gath edition of DR..
Watts Psalms London, 1853 has twenty.
five "Tunes in the Tenor Part" printed
from steel plates. This was choral music.
| There are good reasons for believing these
tunes were the first used, though not IN
til about the time of the revolutionary
war.
FOUR PART MUSIC.
The first music written in four parts and
sung in the Congregational church was
compiled by one Asahel Benham of Wall
ingford, Conn, in 1898. 1t bore the title
"Social Harmony" and was volume Of
sixty pages and about four score tunes
These tunes were printed from engraved
plates Two copies are extant in the
town. This note book was succeeded by
"The Choir" much more pretentious
work and published in 1888. This bool
was used in the Rev. W. ]. Boardman's
pastorate. In the Rev. Mr.. Griggs day i
gave way to ''The Boston Academy's Col
1ection.' After the latter came "Ancien
Harmony" 'The Psaltery, :" "The Shawn,
"The Dulcimer," ''TheJubilee, "Asaph'
and dozen others of lesser notoriety:
SHERLOCK A. MANSFIELD.
Fragmentary as this article necessaril.
has been, it would be still more incomplete
| were no reference made to one, than whom
no more devoted musician has been named
Sherlock A. Mansfield. Mr.. Mansfield be
gan his labors in 1941 and was untiring il
the interests of church music until hi
death in 1871. He was the last of tn
noted chorus leaders and by his genia
manner and enthusiasm rallied q choil
which for years maintained with remark
able steadiness this branch of religion,
worship. Every Exchange preacher il
the Consociation knew him, and knew to-
the music would always go right when hi
sunshiny face was seen in the choir gal
lery.
THE WANING COUNTRY CHURCH CHOIR.
The cause of the gradually waning coun
try church choirs is clearly traceable t.
the decay of the country singing school.
The latter old time institution was origi
nally designed by the fathers to foster an
encourage religious spirit, and as such
seemed for years to bear the approval 0
Jehovah. Now all is changed. Worlds
ness, Indifference and "they of its ow
|. household" have been it's deadliest enc
, mics. 1t seems like the abolition of on
of those ancient landmarks which, Will
, standing bore silent witness that we wer
still on Gods territory and were diligen
in advancing his kingdom.
1-Theophilus Todd.
2-Mrs. James Smith.
3-In possession of Mrs. Lucretia Dickerman.
, +In connection with the preceding paper rea
, the date 1873, 1853
SHELDON B. THORPE.