Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-09-23
IN MUSICAL GIRO LES
Uncertainty as to Choir at the First
Baptist Church.
Renewed Interest by Members of tn,
Moody ChOir-TWO New Organs
to BE Erected.

1t Is not true says Mr.. Percy Foster,
THAT any arrangements looking to the for
nation of a choir have been made at the
First Baptist Church. Nothing can be
done until the business meeting of the con-
gregation, which takes place some time in
October. Then it will be probably deter
mined what the character of the music
for the present year shall be. The present
arrangement of an organist and precentor
may continue, or Mr.. Foster may be au-
thorized to form quartet choir. In this
latter event it is hardly likely that as
much money will be appropriated as for
merly, although there are many in the
congregation who would be glad to have
some of the former singers resume their
places. There is possibility of the church
wanting to get along with a volunteer
CT orus choir but this is considered unsatis-
factory unless there is also paid quartet.
Volunteer singers cannot always be relied
upon, and the number present is always
dependent on the state of the weather or
the inclination OF the INDIVIDUALS. 1t may
be that nothing definite will be decided
upon until the new year, as the fiscal year
of this church commences the LIST OF Janu-
airy.
at the first rehearsal this season was Tery
gratifying to its leader, Mr. Percy 5. Foster
This has become permanent organization,
certs at Convention Hall during the winter.
A sort of reception or social gathering is
planned for the middle of November, which
will be held either in the First Congre2a-
tiopal or the First Baptist Church Mr..
Foster says he is pleased that number OF
singers who rank high as soloists have re-
Gently Joined the choir so that it is now thor
oughly equipped for solo as we'll rs chorus
work. This choir will prove valuable ru-
cleus for the great body OF singers that will
be required at the Christian Endeavor con-
vention next July.
The Calvary Baptist Church has had a
fine organ built, which has arrived in
this city, but has not yet been put in its
place. 1t is hoped that it may be erected
in the church by the list of October. but
it is not yet certain when the extensive re-
pairs to the church that have been in OPP
GRAFTON during the summer will be COM
rleted. This organ will be one Of the best
toned instruments in the city, and Prof.
John Porter Lawrence. who played upon it
in the factory at Boston, speaks in high
terms of it's excellence. Mr.. Gebest. the
new orgarist engaged for this church,
gained considerable reputation in Ohio, but
two years ago went to Berlin, Germany.
where he has remained ever since, perfect
ing himself upon the organ and in compo-
sition. He will come direct from Berlin
to this city, and is expected 10 arrive by
October l. 1t is probable that when he
takes charge quartet choir, composed of
the best singers obtainabe, will be engaged
to furnish the music for this church. There
musicians as to the policy of going abroad
to select organist when there are so
many good performers in this city. Profs.
John Porter Lawrence. Geo. w. Walter,
VIM. Waldecker and Anton G1oetzner and
Drs. H. C. Sherman and J. w. Bischof, it
is asserted cannot lie excelled for church
work by the same number Of orgarists in
any city in the country.
Mr.. Ernest Lent will commence rebears-
ais of his string orchestra, which gave
such good account of itself last spring.
early next month. This season Mr.. Lent
proposes to increase his force to sixty per-
formers and he is daily receiving aDplica-
lions for membership. Mr. Lent proposes
to make the Washington Strin:, Orchestra
an institution and will give two concerts
at Metzerott Hall, when the organization
will nave the assistance of prominent solo,
lists.
The handsome new organ in ST. Patrick's
Church is to be tested before the public, at
an organ recital to be shortly held in the
church, when Prof. John Porter Lawrence