The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-12-31
"vANDERBILT,s PET
McNensie Gordon, Tenor, Formerly
of savannah.
From the New York Journal.


From the New York Journal.
A romantic tale comes from Savannah,
Ca in regard to Mckenzie Gordon, the
popular young tenor in the choir of St.
Bartholomew Protestant Episcopal
church, in whose congregation are num-
bered so many well known bankers, brok-
ers and hnanclers.
One wintry day in 1888, so the story runs,
as the steamship City of Augusta, of the
Savannah line, was about to leave New
York. it was discovered that the services
of boy were required. On the pier stood
a Scotch lad shivering from the cold and
out of work. He seemed so bright and
willing that the captain employed him.
The lad gave the name of Peter McKen-
zie.
Shortly after the steamship arrived at
Savannah the boy became III and was re-
moved to a hospital, where his recovery
was slow. 1t was during his convale-
scence that it was discovered that he had
a sweet tenor voice, and Marcellus Stew
art, organist of Christ Episcopal church
of Savannah, became interested in him.
1t was through Mr.. Stewards efforts that
the boy, soon after he left the hospital,
was made a member of the church choir.
He proved a great success, and his sweet
When he went into the Christ church
choir he gave his name as George Nc
Kenzie. The members of the congrega-
ton took him up and he quickly became
a society favorite. At all big social events
ii was considered the correct thing TO
have young Mckenzie as an attraction.
Everything was roseata for the youthful
tenor. He lived in fashionable apartments,
commanded high prices and was a social
pet. He secured a good position with Lud-
den & Bates music dealers, and was pros
pering in every way, when for some rea-
son he had falling out with his old friend
and patron, Organist Stewart. Then he
suddenly quit the employ of Ludden &
Bates.
He went to an estimable lady of Sa-
vannah and told her that it was his inten-
ton to leave the city at once She and
Mrs. M. c. Herman. the owners of a small
bakery, advanced him the money, it is
said, to go away. Mrs. Herman says he
promised to write to her after he became
settled in some city. but that although she
has sent several letters to him he has
never replied.
1t was in 1891 that his departure from
Savannah took place. From there he went
to Knoxville Tenn, where he was employ
ed by f. e. Macarthur, a music dealer,
From Knoxville he proceeded to Chicago.
Then for time his friends and acquaint-
sweet-voiced yoLng tenor. Finally one
of their number, Frederick Rott discov-
cred him in Chicago. The singer had
changed his name twice in the meantime,
first calling himself Gordon Mackenzie,
but finally adopting the name Mckenzie
Gordon, which he still retains.
His career in Chicago was apparently
quite as successful as it had been in Sa-
vannah, for he came to New York three
years ago with excellent testimonials.
st. Bartholomew church at that time
was looking for a tenor TO take the place
of Mr.. Richardson, whose marriage had
led to his resignation. 1t was just then
that Mckenzie Gordon put in his apphca-
ton. He had a trial before the church
committee on music and Organist Rich
ard Henry Warren, and he was at once
engaged. The place is worth 81 200 year.
1t Is the highest pay that any church tenor
IN this city receives.
Mckenzie has been favorite with the
wealthy members of the congregation
ever since he joined st. Bartholomew s
choir. The Vanderbilts have taken an
especial liking to him, and he is invited
to all their social entertainments. He has
sung at the houses of all the family.
When Cornelius Vanderbilt was so i'll at
Newport, Mckenzie Gordon was sent for
to soothe the suffering millionaire with
his sweet songs.
aboard f. C. Benedicts yacht and delight
ed all hands with his melody.
The example set by these wealthy pa
irons of the young Scotchman has been
followed by society generally, and the de-
mand for Mckenzie Gordon's presence at
the social gatherings of the fashionable
set is so great that he cannot keep up
with 1t. 1t is said that he earns 500 a
month, Independent of his salary as choir
tenor, for singing at the houses of society
people.
Gordon is now q years old. His present
home is at No. 81 West Thirty-fifth street
He is not married, and he is considered a
very desirable match. The charm of his
voice is its sweetness. It is said that he
is not a perfect artist, and that he fails
to read notes quickly but he is quite the
| rage among the fashionable of st. Barth-
olomew's. and his charming personality
seems destined to make his popularity
| lasting.
Mckenzie Gordon was asked last even
ing about his interesting history, but he
modestly declined to discuss 1t, saying
there really had been nothing in it that
| was worth narrating.