The Washington herald., 1909-05-31
CHOIR CELEBRATES
Unique Service in st. Paul's
Catholic Church.
PRIZE MEDALS ARE AWARDED
Fifth Anniversary of Choristers' Or
ganiEatIOE Observed yvith special
Musical PrOgramme-Men and Boys
Renew Promises of FideIity-Car-
ter Medal Given Arthur stiUvveII.

The sUrpliced choir Of st. PauTs Catho-
lie Church celebrated the fifth anniver-
sary Of its organization last evening
with a special musical service. and in
stallation Of choristers.
This choir was formed Palm Sunday.
1904. by Rev. Father William J. Finn. OF
the PauHst House Of Studies. in accord
ance with the Motu proprio Of Pope Plus
y. which commanded that all Catholic
churches should, 50 far as possible. en-
pioy boys and men 10 sing the music.
At that time, an efficient choir Of men
and women occupied the gallery. and rem
rendered good service under the direction
Of Mrs Julius Bowling. well known in
musical circles. Father Finn was sue
cessful in building the choir or a solid
foundation, and Mr.. Ernest T Winches-
ter. at that time the organist and choir
master al Bishop Harding's church, was
called BY Monsignor 1Iackin to take
chargs Of and develop the new choir.
Fame in Local Circles.
Since that time the choir has gained
steadily, and has won fame. not only in
local circles. but throughout the world
Of church music. having received special
recognition from Pope Plus X in a per-
sonal letter. and by receiving a personal
invitation 70 sing at the White House
before ex-President Roosevelt. From
among the ranks Of its members. several
have gone forth TO carry on the same
work along male choir lines.
Harry Hall, who was formerly a Choir
ister, advanced to the role OF choirmas-
ter, and was called to take charge Of the
first sanctuary choir OF ST. Patricl's $
Church; Sydney Bingham. another choris-
ter. and now cadet at West Point.
has organized and developed a choir
among the Catholic cadets, and they rem
der noteworthy services every SUNDAY
In their chapel; Mr.. Clarke Middleton.
another pupil IN boys voice training in
81 PaUIs choir. Is organist and choir
master Of st. Adams Episcopal Church:
Mr.. Ernest Behne, also a pupil of Err
nest 7. Winchester. is the erganist at
St Aloysius' Church. Mr. John NJ. Con-
nell has ably assisted as cantor of the
choir, and taken charge on special oc-
casions-
Another valuable assistant TO the choir
master IS one Of the chorister boys, Ar
thur Stillwell. a lad OF fourteen years.
Al the May procession yesterday the bows.
under young StillweITs leadership. sang
all the music during the procession.
Within the choir has been formed q
guild. known as St. Paul's Choir Asso-
ciation. which is composed Of tbs men
OF the choir The present officers are.
Pastor, Mgr. Mackin; spiritual director.
Rev. Thomas A. Walsh: president WIZ
ian y. Roach; vice president. John NJ
Connell; secretary, J. I. Schultz; treas
urer, Joseph F. Dunn: librarian. David
W Carroll; executive committee. Joseph
Ryder. Joseph Fenwick. and John T
Fogarty
At the service last evening. after sing
ing an elaborate musical programme the
beautiful ceremony Of reception Of Choir
listers, especially authorized for St
Pauls, was carried out The former
first formed q semicircle around
the altar and rsnewed their promises of
fidelity
H0nOrs Conferred.
The honor medals were then conferred
UPON boys who had made unusual rec
ords, as follows: The Carter media. pre-
sented By Mrs Carter rife of 80 c.,