The Washington herald., 1909-08-02

Rev. William T. Russell. pastor OF st.
Patrick's Church. left the city last night
for his annual vacation.
DR.. Russelrs hurried trip TO Europe was
strictly on business matters pertaining
10 the parish, and the short time at his
disposal made it necessarily a very siren
uous one. The real object Of his trip
abroad was TO find some one thoroughly
experienced In the training and manage
ment Of male choirs. AS the movement
is a comparatively new one in this coun-
try, it seemed impossible TO secure just
the person wanted here.
Though the male choir OF St Patrick S
has made good progress IN the one year
OF its existence. need was felt for a lead
CT with the training and traditions Of Eu-
rope, where such choirs have reached a
state OF highest excellence. Hence DIT.
RusselTs trip abroad. where his time was
spent listening TO the various choirs of
the great churches and consulting with
the choir masters Of the great cathedrals
in England and Italy, who made many
special opportunities for him 10 hear and
learn all that he desired
On his return &c London he completed
arrangements with a young organist and
choir director who received his training
from and has been assistant choir master
under Mr.. Richard Terry. who has few
equals and no superiors IN that particular
line OF work in all Europe.
Takes Charge In September.
The new choir master will arrive about
the middle Of September. and will have
entire charge OF the male choir at St.
Patrick's next season. He will bring
with him large collection Of music such
as Is used IN the cathedrals Of Westmin-
ster and St Paul. IN London. some OF
which Is printed, but much Of II Is manu-
script copy Of old Catholic music found
in the libraries Of Cambridge oxford, and
other old universities and written between
the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries.
II is from such sources that English
choirs Of modern times get their material
and large part OF 1t has been unearthed
by Mr.. Terry, who is leader Of the choir
OF Westminster Cathedral.
It is hoped and expected that this IS
but the beginning Of a distinct school
Of Catholic Church music In this country.
and its development will be watched
with great interest by musicians OF cul-
ture and real artistic instincts At the
same time the choir Of mixed voices
which has been such an attraction at
ST. Patrick's IN previous years Will con-
tinue 10 sing as during last season from
the choir loft. alternating with the male
choir in the sanctuary. Mr.. Armand
Gumprecht will preside as usual at the
big organ. and both choirs will take part
In all the regular services Of the church
DIR. Russell VIII Camp,
Dr. Russell will spend most Of his an
nual vacation camping out In the wilds
Of Newfoundland He win be accom-
panied by Rev. Dr. Tracy, OF St Colum-
k.is's Church. Of Boston and they will
go first TO the shrine Of ST. Anne de
Beaupre. near the city OF Quebec
After n few days there they Will go.
IN company with two guides. who will
carry tents, provisions. q fishing and
hunting outfit. into the wilderness about
goo miles from st. Johns. Newfoundland.
and for two weeks they will lead the
simple life"
The nearest railroad station will be
twenty-five miles away. For six sum
mcrs past Dr. Russell has spent his va
cations in this way, and says that he has
not found any other form OF summer
outing that proved so invigorating and
that enabled him 10 do as much good
work on his return.