The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1900-01-18
Cantata "Daniel."
Given Mt the First Baptist Church,
Tuesday Evening.


Tuesday Evening.
The sacred cantata "Daniel" which
the members of the First Baptist Church
and others associated with them have
been rehearsing for several weeks past
under the direction of Mrs. Philo Stew
ard, was given at the First Baptist
| Church, Tuesday evening. The evening
was very mild but the snow during the
forenoon made the travelling disagree
able and kept some away. Notwith-
standing this, the church was filled and
chairs we're placed in the aisles to &C
commodate those who could not be
seated in The pews.
The pulpit was removed and the plat
form was extended forward and to both
sides to make room for the large chorus.
The scene was made to portray temple
In the center of which sat the King and
Queen under canopy OF red and blue
bunting suspended from the ceiling, rep
resenting a morning glory. -Four little
maids sat directly &C the feet of the
Queen were her attendants. The chorus
consisted of over fifty voices including
the children, and with the array OF cos
tunes aided by the decorations produced
a pleasing effect.
The cantata, synopsis OF which was
given by Rev. Fl. F. Hnse, takes up the
captivity of the children of Israel; the
ae>. to worship the golden image, and
upon their refusal, three are cast into the
furnace of fire; their deliyerance; the
casting of Daniel into the lions den
upon his not conforming with the law OF
the Modes and Persians; his deliverance;
and lastly their freedom and return to
their native land.
The musical program was opened with
a solo "Open the Gates of the Temple"
by Miss johnson of Norridgewock,
which was executed with much express
sion. In the cantata which followed
Mrs. Steward took the part of Queen !;
Mr.. A. R. Smiley, the part of King; Mr..
NJ. G. Baker, the part of Daniel;
Mr. e. E. Harris, the part of Herald and
Mr.. Albert Watson that of Aziriah, all
leading parts, and they we're rendered
with an accuracy that showed thorough
study and drill and with artistic excel
lence. The other soloists were Misses
Edena Smith, Mary Robinson, Fannie
Webb, Harriet Marble, Florence Wy
man, Neva johnson aud Berle Walton.
There was also solo by Little Miss
Lessie Clark followed by quartet of
little children.
One Of the strong features, the chorus
work, was not lacking In this piece, and
the well balanced parts produced it to
the delight of the audience. The duets,
quartets, quintets, etc., which inter-
spersed the solos and choruses, the par
Elephants of which were selected from
the chorus because of the close harmony
of their voices, added much to the gen.
eral effect. All cannot be spoken OF
separately but the quintet including the
King, Queen, Daniel, Azariah and Miss
Wlthee as alto, and duet by Miss
Smith and Miss Walton deserve especial
mention. All, however, showed careful
training, and rendered their parts effec
lively. Mr.. c. l.. Carr of Norridgewock
sang with the chorus and aided Mrs.
Steward as assistant instructor -
The cantata was divided in three parts
and between these, flute solo by Rev.
II. F. Huse and violin solo by j. A.
Kendall were given to the enjoyment of
an appreciative audience. Miss Annie
Allen presided over the organ and well
sustained her reputation as an efficient
accompanist. She was assisted by j. A.
Kendall, violin, and Rev. FL. F. Huse, flute.
Mr.. F. A. Nolin, Mrs. Lillian Gilman
Baker and Mrs. j. H. Murray were the
committee of arrangements and to them,
In great measure, is due much Of the
credit, as it was an undertaking of no
small means. AS whole 1t WAS n de-
cided success
s----------------