The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-12-02

beautiful music to the funeral sem tences forms a regular part of the cer- emonial in Westminster; and aoove all Henry Purcell, that well of music un defiled" form a trio whose names VIII live to- the end of time It was m 1894 that Father" Smith, then 1a- nous organ builder. was employed 70 enlarge the organ but 1t was not un- til I727 that the first work on the nresent instrument can be traced. II was in that year that Christopher Schneider. the son-in-law and success sor of Father Smith, was commissioned to build an organ especially TOT the coronation of George II for which cer- emony Handel composed his famous Coronation Hymns.
 The organ was presented to the Ab- bey by the King and removed from the north choir aisle to the centre of the present screen. The eighteenth cen tury organists who succeeded Croft were hardly of his calibre though John Robinson. composer of popular chant son and pr. Samuel Arnold are names with honored places in church musical history. Under one of the Cookes, however, pedal pipes were added, this being the first organ, so far as known to have Independent pedals.
 The renaissance case was later changed to one of Gothic character and so things continued down to 1S47 when the first extensive restoration was inaugurated at the cathedral. The organ was not exempt. It underwent great changes. Some of the old pipes were retained but the instrument was divided into three portions just as il now stands. this being done to give an uninterrupted view of the Abbey However as judged by modern stand ards even this instrument was far from being complete. It was trifing for there were but two stops on the pedal
 organ. On the other hand. 1t was brought to It's full fruition by the late James Turle. an organist instinct with the very best and noblest traditions oi church music and under whom some great musical festivals were given no tably in 1884 and 1871 when the noble Passion Music of John Sebastian Bach was first heard in England.
 MT. Turle retired after fiftv-ont years service, giving way in 1875 tC Sir Frederick Bridge, who very early in his term of service, had the orgar entirely overhauled. Now ehe will once more have new instrument ant the musical career of the famous Alb bey will go on again.
 Inere IS StlIl another matter, n0WeV CT, that Is worrying the authorities 1T charge of the Abbey. This has to dt
 with the Chapel of the Pyx, one O the most strikingly interesting DOT
 tions of the entire fabric of Westmin ster. Few persons of this oreany oth CT generation have penetrated it's foul walls guarded as they are, by mas
 sive double door which Is secured bI as many as seven distinct locks.
 This chapel, constructed by King Edward the Confessor before William the Conqueror set foot in the land, fl one. of the few remaining portions oi the Abbey reared by the former sover' eign to the glory of God and the honol of St. Peter. No very special import ance was attached to this chapel wher 1t was built. There was an altar al
 which mass was probably celebrated and there is tradition that at 1eas one person whose name stands out 1T the long record of Eng1and's worthiei was actually inferred in this chapel.
 For centuries after that. however, thu main use of the Chapel of the Pyx wal as a treasure house. Its strong walli and great door made 1t an admirable place for housing the crown jewels anC other valuables. In recent years there has been no such demand upon 1t. Ant the Dean of Westminster regarding i