The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-09-30
New Choir of Talented Singers for Highlands
Methodist Church Under Direction Of Mrs. W. A. Logan
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0VS as much a part of the beautiful
influence that emanates from the church
as any other feature of the service.
In the larger cities. elaborate musical
programmes are arranged and adver-
tised each Sabbath day and the choirs
are chosen from the most talented and
accomplished singers that can be found.
At the big cathedrals, choruses of hun
dreds of voices blend in exquisite har-
mony to chant the classic anthems and
hymns of the ages.
In Others quartette choirs with emf
nent soloists compose the choristers
while again at others sextettes and dou-
BILE quartettes are employed to furnish
the beautiful music
Birmingham is not recreant in the
matter of church music, and within the
past few years there has been a marked
Improvement in the personnel of choirs
as well as the grade of music, pre-
scented, and today some of the work done
in the different church choirs here is
equal to that Of any in the south
Mrs. w. A. Logan, the talented and
capable organist of the Highlands Meth
odist church, is to be warmly congrat-
ulated upon the splendid work she has
done within the past two years at this
church.
Mrs. Logan is a finished musician,
director of ability, and a woman of
charming personality and with her tact
and keen observation in musical affairs,
she has drawn singers whose regulations
have been unequaled in Birmingham
musical circles.
Beginning with Sunday, October l. Mrs
Logan will present new choir at the
Highlands Methodist church. composed
of Mrs Titus l.. Bissell, formerly OF
Pittsburg, soprano; Mrs. T. f. BALI, con-
tralto; Mr. Adridge, tenor, and Mr.. IL
tus l.. Bissell, basso.
The choir is practically composed OF
singers new to Birmingham, yet each
member comes high recommended, both
as to voice and ability.
Mrs Bissell, the soprano, is singer OF
note, who has made an enviable reputa-
ton in recital and oratorio work in the
larger cities of the country, and aside
from her talent and ability she is
woman of great beauty and charm
Mrs. Bissell in speaking of her musical
experiences and her ideas concerning the
most desirable personnel for churcn
choirs, said among other things few
days ago:
ut seems to me after great deal OF
experience in church work, and obser-
walton in regard to the ideal church
choir. that a quartette is by long ODDS
the most attractive. In the first place the
most beautiful church music is written
for ouartettes and where four voices
blend in harmony and lend themselves
to the rhythm and melody of inspiring
music. there is nothing more pleasing and
nothing more beautiful. The average
congregation requires individuality in It's
music. and above all things that music
should convey a religious message which
is often as effective as the words of the
minister"
"Among the best choirs that I have
sung in" Mrs Bissell said, after my
first choir work in Pittsburg, was out
in Salt Lake City. 1 was member OF
the Broad Street Presbyterian church
choir and enjoyed my work there more
than I could possibly say. There were
two members of the choir, the contralto
and the tenor, who were Mormons. VI
course, the organ and the choir in the
Mormon Tabernacle attract all the sight
seers who go to Salt Lake City, ana well
they might, for there is no more impos-
ing sight imaginable than the vast
Tabernacle and the big organ.
1--WE always, it seems to me" said
Mrs. Bissell, "been affiliated with church
work; when / first began to study voice,
it was with the intention of specializing
in concert and oratorios. Mr.. r. B. Saw
age, who is a brother of Mr.. Henry W.
Savage the patron of opera, was my first
teacher in Pittsburg. Afterward studied
with Madame Helen HUMPHREYS ana
Alfred Jury in Buffalo. / am delighted
that Mrs. Logan has made such attrac-
tive plans for oratorio work for our choir
this winter During the Christmas-tide
and my child has as straight legs as one
would desire. My little son is also
slightly bow legged, but I am sure ma
ture will correct it, as they are not pad.
Gentle rubbing of the little legs will help
greatly. II. D.