The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1897-11-12
A Grand Praise Service.

The service at the Congregational church
last Sunday afternoon from to o'clock,
was proof positive of the power which song
has over the American people, freeing their
minds entirely from the cares and anxieties
of business and social life and giving them
an idea of the great value of their life, and,
perhaps an in'imation of the reward in the
future for we'll spent time on earth. While
II would hardly be possible nor entirely the
best plan to change the regular exercises of
churches to service similar to this one, yet
more frequent varying to an hour Of song
would make decided increase In the con.
grega,ions and lead to regular attendance
tina would haye powerful influence on the
livss OF those the church is not reaching at
present.
Through the kind assistance of about
twenty of Owosso's best trained and most
popular singers, A. K. Ferry, leader Of the
church choir, had prepared, and most ex-
cellently in every detail, for the rendering
Of the sacred cantata 1.-THE Holy City," by
Gaul. At 5 o'clock every seat was occu-
pied and every aisle filed, and more thor
oughly satisfied audience never left the
church.
Pastor j. G. Cromer read the AID Psalm
and offered prayer, and after the introducto-
ry on the organ by Miss Helen Duff, the
chorus in full began the cantata, which is a
most glorious one in every way. Taken
from the Bible the words had the power
which no human composition can equal and
then with the peculiar adaptation OF the
parts to the voices, it had an effect that
could not fail to be inspiring. The work of
the individuals was equally good, and while
each of the soloists has his or her admirers,
no criticism was heard for any.
1t would be time and money. il necessary,
we'll spent for the people to join in making
regular feature of the sacred services of
the city the rendering of such musical
productions. Owosso is behind no city in
the state in the amount and quality of its
talent, never behind in its appreciation OF
the work of home or foreign artists, and
with this first success as standard and a
criterion, the good work will undoubtedly
go on.
The success OF the hour was In no small
measure due to the splendid work of Mis-
Duff at the pipe organ. Her skill in regis
tration was remarkable, notably in the in
PRODUCTION as we'll as In the accompaniment
to the different soloists. Then again in th'
last chorus, the very sudden changes from
the delicate accompaniment TO the four lad,
solOists, to the full organ at the outburst o
the chorus with the words marvellous arr
thy works, Lord God," exhibited rare skill
In managing the great instrument, whicl
required also much physical strength.
Mr.. Ferry is entitled to great credit AM
the united thanks of the community for hi
unfailing efforts, and more so in face of tn
fact that he is not as so many must be II
order to secure them help, rewarded In
pecuniary way for the pleasure he gives tn
r people of this city. Music is to many tn
first element that touches their better ma
| lures, and no chance should be lost to briD
these people to their better selves.
For the people we thank all who tool
, part and trust that they will feel that thel
efforts are fully appreciated.