The San Francisco call., 1909-04-09
NOTED CHURCH
ORGANIST WILL
LOSE POSITION
Opposition TO Choir Leader of
First Congregational Church,
Berkeley, Wins Out
Not TO Be Retained After the
Present Contract Expires,
June 80

BERKELEY. April S.-A controversy
more intense than that Of year ago
when Dr. J. Fred Wolfe was chosen
as organist of the First Congregational
church Of this city has arisen and as
a. result Professor Wolfe, recognized
as great organist and exponent of
Bach music. viii not be retained after
his contract expires. June so. Though
no definite action has been taken this
decision was reached informally by
The music committee of the church and
the trustees. the court of last resort
in such matters.
NOT ASKED TO RESIGN
Several trustees and members of the
church music committee denied tonight
that Doctor Wolfe has been asked to
resign.
The controversy hinges upon the
kind Of music desired in the church
and the heavy expense involved in
keeping Doctor Wolfe at the head of
The choir.
A year ago when Professor Wolfe
was chosen Organist to succeed ida
Waidrop. who went 10 Europe for
study. a storm Of protest was raised
had for years been a feature of the
music at the First Congregational
church
OPPOSITION STRONG
Professor Wolfe was the center of
the controversy at the time. he
made the changes at the suggestion of
the church authorities and instituted
a chorus TO replace the choir. The
strong opposition engendered then has
not died out but smoldered for
months only to break out at a recent
meeting when the trustees met to con-
slider the renewal Of Doctor Wolles
contract. Friends of the former quar-
tet are said to have led the opposition.
F. c. Mills. a member OF the music
committee; Mrs. Z. c. Chase, another
member Of that committee; Prof. Leon
J. Richardson of the university. chair
man Of the music committee. and Will
liam +. Woolsey chairman of the board
Of trustees. admitted last night that DIR.
Wolfe would not be retained. All de-
clared, however, that the action had
not been officially decided upon, but
had been discussed Informally and was
practically certain.
TRUSTEES AWAIT CALL
Meanwhile the trustees of the church
are awaiting the call of Chairman VIII
liam +. WOOlsey for a second meet
taken. WOolsey declared that he was
going to Monte Rio tomorrow and
would not call the meeting until his
return.
Woolsey explained that the desired
results of Professor WolIe's tenure had
not been achieved and although the
matter was in abeyance the musician
would not be retained.
WOLFE SURPRISED
Professor Wolfe was surprised when
asked If he had been requested to re-
sign and said that he knew nothing
OF the action of the music committee
or trustees. if any had been taken. He
admitted that he had heard of some
dissatisfaction. but said he had also
been the recipient Of many compliments
for his work
He said that he intended to make
visit TO his old home in Bethlehem. Pa
where his Bach choirs were famous
all over the world.
L shall return to Berkeley. / hope"
said DR.. Wolfe in conclusion
GREAT WORK IN UNIVERSITY
There was great rejoicing in univer-
sity circles when Professor Wolfe was
secured by President Wheeler to act
as head Of the newly created chair of
music at the university. Professor
Wolfe has done great work since his
arrival here