Evening star., 1900-04-19
DISCORO OVER MUSIC
Harmony in New York Avenue
Church Out of Tune.
ALL ABOUT A SALARIED CHOIR
Elders in Favor Of Congregational
Singing Resign.
WHAT OPPONENTS SAY

WHAT OPPONENTS SAY
Considerable gossip has been occasioned
| by an apparent misunderstanding among
the members of the New York Avenue
| Presbyterian Church over the question OF
! whether the church should return to The
| old system Of congregational singing or
continue to have a paid choir, such as was
introduced several years ago.
AS a result it is understood that deacon
| and four elders, who held to the congrega-
tional singing cause, resigned, and their
places were filled by the election Of others
favorable to choir music. Those who re-
signed were Mr.. John W. Foster, ex-Secre-
tary of State; Mr.. A. ]. Halford. Mr.. John
Randolph and Mr.. w. B. Robinson. elders.
and Mr. Charles E. Foster. deacon. Those
chosen to fill the places thus vacated were
Justice Harlan of the United States Su-
preme Court, General ]. C. Breckinridge,
Mr.. Charles H. Fishbaugh and DR.. James
A. Freer as elders and Mr.. Brice ]. Moses
as deacon.
DR.. Radcliffe Wanted a Choir.
According to the Withdrawing side the
difference grew out of the determination
OF the pastor, Rev. Wallace J. Radcliffe, to
change the form Of music from congrega-
tional with organ accompaniment and led
by a precentor to a quartet choir. 1t is de-
clared that when this change was first sug-
gested that eight Of the ten members then
composing the session were opposed to it.
but that in 1896, in a spirit of compromise,
the change was permitted with the under
standing, however. that tho increased cost
Of the music should not be charge upon
the revenues Of the church. This under
standing, 1t is declared, was made a part
OF the bylaws but the close of that
church year it was found that the trustees
had paid a sum for music in excess of that
which they were authorized to expcnd. The
annual meeting, 1t is stated on the author
ity mentioned, voted down the recommcn-
dation of the trustees, and subsequently an
agreement entered into by the council of
the church. comprising its three official
bodies, was entered into, providing that
the extra cost of music should be betrayed
by private subscription.
1t is declared that the close of another
year found the conditions described still ex-
1Stfng, and thereupon a church meeting was
held, at which an agreement was made to
continue the employment of the choir upon
the personal assurance Of one of the men,
bers that the additional cost would be pro-
vided for outside the church revenues.
Pay From Pew Rents Proposed.
1t is further alleged that the trustees then
determined to propose that they be author
| lied to pay the total cost of the music out
VI lhc pioSceuS II Oill pew Ielll5, WHICH,, Ill
the meantime had been increased generally
| % per cent. This proposition. it is declared,
was made at the annual meeting after a
conference in the council of the church. AS
| a result of this it is said the designations
of six elders were handed in Judge An
drew C. Bradley and Mr. Joseph r. Deeble
being the other two besides those named,
and who technically resigned by declining
to stand for reelection. 1t Is further as
serted that after the church meeting a
proposition was made for conference be-
tween the opposing forces for the purpose
of considering certain relations of the pas
| tor with the church, but this was declined.
Declarations of Choir Champions.
On the other side it is declared with
loud emphasis that before DR.. Radcliffe
accepted the call to the pastorate five
years ago he was assured by the commit
| tee that he would be given every facility
for conducting the services along the pro-
gressive lines which he desired and which
he pointed out, and that he came with
that understanding. 1t was further de-
clared by the choir adherents that senti-
| ment in the congregation was divided as
to the desirability of changing the song
service by the congregation, led by pre-
centor. to music by SalaHed choir, but
that DR.. Radcliffe insisted and succeeded
in having resolution passed by the ses-
sion of elders favoring the change.
Regarding the question Of expenses the
choir advocates state that at first the
trustees could not their way clear to
appropriate an amount sufficient to cover
| the cost of a salaried choir. but that DR..
Radcliffe went ahead with his plans, trust
ing that the necessary funds would be Sc
cured from an outside source. 1t was
further stated that last year the trustees
paid in the neighborhood of 81 900 to pay
the choir, and about 81 900 additional was
secured by subscriptions.
Claim That Congregation Approved.
1t was further stated that the trustees in
their annual report this year had an
nounced that the church had SO prospered
in a financial way that hereafter the entire
cost Of the choir could be borne from the
| regular church revenues. There was
strong opposition to this course among
some Of the church officers, 1t was said.
and joint meeting of the deacons elders
and trustees was called to consider the
matter. At this meeting 1t was decided,
so it Is stated to leave the question to a
vote of the congregation, all agreeing to
abide by the decision rendered. The
vote was taken, and the congregat tion de-
cided unanimously, 1t Is declared, to con-
tinue the choir and to pay for 1t out of the
regular church revenues
1t was further declared that the New
York Avenue Church has a congregation
of about 400 members and not more than
| $50 of them were dissatisfied with DR.. Rad
cliffe's plan Of musical service
Inquiry for Dead Mans Relatives.