The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-12-18
'G|RARD DID NOT
SEE HIS WAY TO
FACE THE MUSIC
Still a Vacant Stool at
ST. Paul's.
ORGANISE UNDER A CLOUD
ACCUSED OF ELoPING WITH AN
OTHER MANS WIFE.
Saved the Rev. William Reilly thu
Trouble Of Requesting Him
TO Cancel His Engagement
for Time.
ORGANISE UNDER A CLOUD
ACCUSED OF ELoPING WITH AN
OTHER MANS WIFE.

Rav. William Reilly. rector OF st. Pauls
Episcopal Church on California street,
was not compelled yesterday morning. as
he had purpOsed. 20 say some unpleasant
things 10 the newly engaged Organist.
Harry L. Girard, who recently Ohiciated
in a like position In Christ Church. New
York. Mr.. Girard's failure 10 put in an
appearance. while IL may have deprived
the congregation OF a musical treat. re-
lieved the rector from the disagreeablo
task OF informing him that his presence
at ST. Pauls would not be proper until
he had proved the falsity OF the story in
circulation that he was living with an
other mans wife, with whom he had
eloped from New York.
Girard was engaged "a short time ago as
organist at 81. fauls. lie had come with
letterf highly COmmendatOry OF his
musical ability. At rehearsals he charmed
every one with his ability, 80 that his
first appearance at the services was
nobody, not even Girard. had reason 10
believe that the new Organist would not
Ofticiate yesterday. He was at rehearsal
Saturday evening and had laid al his
plans for the next day. After the re-
hearsal the Rev. Mr.. Reilly learned Of
the story in which Girard and another
mans wife had figured in the East. Tho
woman was-and maybe Is, although
Girard denies 1.-THE wife Of William
SchOheld, cashier Of a national bank and
secretary OF the School Board at Port
Chester. y. Y. II was reported thai,
while teaching music To Mrs Schoheld.
Girard had gained her affections and in
duced her 10 elOpe with him.
Under the circumstances there would
have been manifest improperly IN the ap-
pearance Of Mr.. Girard I'm the church a.
Organist. sir Reilly conceived that 70 be-
the fact. So did Mr.. Girard. who admitted
later that he also had heard that the
story was in circulation concerning him.
He did not go 10 the church. Rev. Mr.
Reilly breathed more easily. and n scene
which would have been unpleasant was
avoided. Rev. Mr.. Reilly said Yesterday
afternoon that ne had no knowledge %
the antecedents Of Girard when he en-
gagged him. The engagement was upon
the basis of recommendations OF musical
people. 10 whom he had applied for an
organlst. the place OF organist In tho
church having become vacant. He had
been pleased with Girdrd's reCOmmenda-
lions. and he had been more than pleased
with Girards musical ability and had
congratulated himself upon securing such
musical treasure. But now. ne said
until Girard could clear UP the story the
church could not have him play. The or
gan yesterday was played by n member
OF the church choir.
Girard was found at lodgings NJ era
Geary street lie said that he was mar
ried 10 the former Mrs. SCh0feld: that
she had secured a divorce I'm New York
state after she parted from her husband.
He became acquainted with her. he said.
while he was teaching her TO sing. lie
denied an allegation that he had left New
York secretly. and said that he had re-
signed the place OF Organist there. No
secrecy. he continued. had marked HIS
movements at any time. Since ne came
TO California he had been publishing
songs under mis- own name and singing In
public.
81 knew when 7 married divorced lady
/ was outside the pale I'm my own church %
said Girard Yesterday. but we are legal
" married. and that IS all there Is % tho
story. ] could not with propriety 20 %
St. Pauls Church Yesterday I was 10
play there only two SUNDAYS. Then T was
going 20 make a dramatic connection
That is my present intention. and i DO
not care 10 do any organ wOr& az this
time. Mrs. Girard Is In the house with
me ="