The Washington herald., 1909-06-02

{ The organ vas mute n the First Con-
gregational Church yesterday afternoon.
I The chair was empty. heaped high with
I flowers. The funeral OF the beloved mas
I ter OF the instrument, John ". Bischon.
was held. and no dirge was played in his
+ memory. for he needed none; his heart
was so fun OF music thar none other
/ needed 10 celebrate the fact
/ The service was simple. as the aged
/ organist desired. No mournful strains
we're beard great congregation as
senbIed to hear the tribute Of Rev Dr.
Samuel H Woodrow. pastor Of the
church, with whom the blind musician
h5d maintaed a1ectionate rela-
tions. The casllet was banked with
wTeaths sent 10 the family.
The world IN measuring success notes
the positions 70 which men attain" satd.
Dr.. Woodrow. "God notes the difficulties
i they have overcome. Cod marks the point
ar which men start and the distance they
travel. DR.. Bischof started lie with the
great handicap Of total blindness. How
great that hindrance was God forbid that
any OF US should ever know
Attained Prominence.
IN spite OF this great affection. DIT.
BisheF attained q foremost place In his
chosen profession. What his early strug-
gles were. God only knows But for thir-
ty-five years this city has known him as
teacher, OrganisL director, and composer.
This church. though its people 2d-
mired and loved Dr.. Bisch0T, does not
fully realize how much OF its SUCCESS
was due TO his musical genius and mas
terly ability. This church was but nine
years old when he came as orzanist ard
musical director. and he has seen nearly
all Of its growth Pastors have come ard
gone, but the same master mind has
guided the helpful and inspiring musical
services.
Years ago. IN NY boyhood home. IN
distant State. I heard of the famous
blind Organist OF Washington He was
one OF the institutions OF this city. Visit
ors wanted 10 see the White House. the
Capitol. the Library OF Congress, and
hear Dr.. Bischoh. People from every
State in the Union have been inspired by
MS playing.
HIS kindness and humility were as
great as his musical skill This was
shown 20 me from the very beginning /
One Of his first acts was 70 come 70 the
study. and say: You are now responsible /
for sll the service and work Of this
church Il does not matter how we have |
done things mUsically before You tell me /
what YOU would like and 7 VIII try 20 help 1
YOU IN every way I can
That was a great deal for q man 20 4
say who had successfully led the music I
OF the church for thirty-three years. Il 1
assured me, a stranger in q strange city /
and g strange church. that there would 4
be mutual sympathy between me and the /
musical director.
SAT- Playing Alone.
* the close Of the evening service
Of Nay he sat playing until the congre-
cation had gone and the 5anitor had turn
Cd out most Of 5he lights. When I was
ready to go home, hearing the organ still
playing, I looked in and saw him running
lis fingers lightly over the keys in some
soft, piaintive melody. At last he pushed /
n an the stops and, with sigh, moved
rom hts place. I an not given 70 pre-
but 1 felt, as I now know.
hat he felt il was a last loving farewell.
Kind husband. loving father, faithfU.
riend. wise teacher, great musician,
rood Christian. We viii not say gcod-by.
,ut goodnight. We shall hope 10 meet
hee in the morning"
In silence, the casket was carried out
he church after Dr. Woodrow had con-
luded. The active palIbearers were J.
T. Humphrey. II. D. Lawson. D. G.
Iiller. H s, Barnes, Elphonzo Youngs,
T. and J. ". Garden. The honorary
,aIlbearers were Prof. A y. Skinner,
,ol. John Tweedale. Daniel Fraser, c. B. I
bailey, Alfred Wood. and Jerome John