The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-03-25
PROF. MACDOUGALL'S ADDRESS
BEFORE BAPTIST SOCIAL UNION

The Baptist Social union of this city
held another OF their delightful social
gatherings at the Trocadero last even
ing, fully 300 ladies and gentlemen being
present. The greater part of the large
company arrived early upon the scene
and from $3.50 TO 7:30 O'Clock a reception
was enjoyed In the parlors OF the Tro-
cadero. after which an elaborate banquet
was served in the dining room At the
close of the banquet, which was pro-
longed until nearly 3 o'clock. the gath
ering was called 10 order by Professor
Wilson of Brown university, the presi-
dent OF the union, and after some matters
OF rountine business were attended TO
Professor Hamilton G.. Macdougall. for
merly of this city and now musical di-
rector OF Wellesley college, was intro
duced as the speaker OF the occasion.
Professor Macdougall responded 10 the
graceful introduction of the president by
alludng To the pleasant memories which
crowded themselves upon him as he
looked I'm the faces of many old friends
with whom he had been associated during
the period OF his work as organist at the
Central Baptist church. Taking as his
subject "Church Music" the speaker first
explained what is technically meant by
the expression. He then showed the dis
tinction between essentially church music
and music I'm the church.
Music has no place in the house OF
God unless Il has place in worship"
declared the speaker. lie then enlarged
upon the following points LIST, the Office
OF music in the church; 2d the kind OF
music used in worship; 3D., the musical
duties Of the congregation.
In dwelling more especially upon the
churches having congregational form or
I.g1l Nn
may serve n mans needs in two ways
first by helping him 10 get into wor-
Sinful mood and second by saying for
him things that are too deep for his own
expression.
"It Is generally true" he continued,
that given the right conditions, music
will stimulate devotion, The bnslIsn
church has a magnificent music ltera-
ture For 400 years devout musicians
have been adding TO the store until now
Il is splendidly complete ana expressive
OF all mems spiritual yearnings.
Prof Macdougall dwelt briefly lust
here on the grand heritage or the Ger
mans Am their chOrals and explained why
those Grand old tunes nevsr grew old,
dwelling FOR a moment also--by way OF
Contrast-Upon the absurditN or sucn
tunes as what shall the harNeS,, be J..
and shall We Gather at the, Riyery
And have YOU ever, h added, hearu
Nearer. My God. 20 Thee sung TO the
tune OF Robin AdoirG
beautiful order OF service IN the king
char-i Boston. modified form OF the
English service. and then continued as
follows.
"Grnnted that music Is an important
form OF our worship. thcn 10 may be made
n medium through which TO create and
sustain n devotional atmosphere. Then ~
rs evident that the whole body OF worship
pers ought 90 exercise their musical tal-
ent To the best Of their ability. Let the
people sing the hymns Justify and intelli-
ntly. Has the time not come when We
should realize that Gods house demands
the best we can give IN cverythingI
Happy IL congregation that is blessed
with n minister. choir and organist work
iug together ioyfully. sensibly and intelli-
gently. I'm making the service not only
attractive in the best senss. but dignihed.
n product of the best efforts OF the spirit
and understanding
In closing his fine address Prof Mac
dougall Ciscourscd briefly upon the lack
OF apprecia tion. on the part Of many min
listers. of the musical portion OF the SER
vice. Most ministers most OF the time.
he declared. "fail To express their recog-
milton of the. helpfulness OF the organist
and his part IN the service. The organist
Is an important factor In the service and
N he u disposed 60 act In sympathy with
the minister and the minister with him.
the musical problem Of the church ;s a