Evening star., 1940-12-08
Mrs. Eugene Byrnes Has Been
CHy's Music Godmother'
Member of Noted
Family Has Aided
Many Groups Here
by JESSIE FAINT EVANS.

Inc WOrld never had greater need
of music than today, for it is the
one universal language. the common
denominator, as it were of nations
many of whom seemingly have lost
for the present all other bonds of
humanity" says Mrs. Eugene Byrnes
long a leader in Washington musical
circles.
or the third generation of a dis
tinguislled family whose roots are
deep in the soil of Washington's re-
ligious, civic and musical interests,
her name has been synonymous with
purposeful. creative endeavor for q
broadening scope Of musical ap-
probation, upon the part Of the gen.
eral public since her early girlhood
Whatever I could give in civic
usefulness to my native city, and
that Of my mother and maternal
grandfather, have felt I could best
render through the medium of my
musical endeavors and their affili-
ations," she modestly says of many
undertakings that have become sue
cessful realizations throughout the
course of the years.
Backed National Symphony.
One of the first active workers
behind the National Symphony
Orchestra, she is proud of its won-
derful growth and convinced it is
worth all the support the people of
this city can give it.
AS the perennial president" Of
Washington's Friday Morning Mus
ical Club, for more years than she
Is willing to admit, it was she who
first brought DR.. Hans Kinder to
Washington as guest performer
before this organization He was at
the time a young musician whose
great promise Mrs. Byrnes had
recognized in his connection with
the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Affectionately known as THE God
mother of the Music Section" to the
membership of the Goth Century,
Washington and Arts Clubs of this
city, she has not only been the mott
waiting musical spirit in these groups,
but the organizer of successive
Christmas and Easter music for
their membership.
She Is Author Of Verse.
Next to music, poetry is Mrs
Byrnes favorite medium of self-eX-
preston. Poems of hers that have
been set to music are Harry Gregor S
ARRANGEMENT of her Balloon Man,
Mary Howe's musical score for her
verse on Trees" and Ernest Lent's
accompaniment to her Morning
Glory"
Last winter she was present when
Edward johnson sang the words to
her song, ''Dogwood," at one OF
Mrs. Lawrence Townsends morning
musicales at the Mayflower.
Her exquisite poem, Sunset SYM
phony," is dedicated to DR.. Kinder
In the home Of her maternal
grandfather. Robert Campbell, on
| Massachusetts, avenue, the Christian
Church was founded in America by
his friend, Alexander Campbell, as
THE Christian Association of Wash
ington."
NiFiu are iici ICSo4icN1ioiio VA lAie
descriptions her mother gave of the
congregations early members who
tied their horses to the trees that
lined Massachusetts avenue, while
they worshipped in the Campbell
home, and afterward stayed fol-
Sunday dinner.
Aunt Saw Lincoln Shot.
Mrs. Byrnes' mother. Jean Camp
bell, was married in this faith to hei
father, Henry Clay Stier. who was
for many years the United States
examiner of the mint.
Her mothers beautiful sister Alice
whose namesake Mrs. Byrnes is, be-
came Mrs. William Clendenning and
was one Of the prominent guests in