Newspapers / Africo-American Presbyterian (Wilmington, N.C.) / Sept. 24, 1936, edition 1 / Page 1
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AfriW*\merican ‘AND YE SHALL KNOW THETRUTH, AND THE TRUTH SHALL VOL. LVI1. CHARLOTTE. N. C. THURSDAY. SEPTEMBER 24, 1936 THE AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS FIFTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING — RECITALS* — CHO RAL PROGRAMS—ADDRESSES—RELIGIOUS SERVICES By Dr. Thomas A* Long Music ig one of the strongest unifying 1 actors among all peo ples. ine American uuilu oi organists of tne Unitea States ana Canada is a cultural organi zation foremost m rostering a high type of musical expression. The hfteenth annual meeting of the American Guild was held in Pittsburgh, Pa., the last week in June this year, 1936. Pittsburgh is easily tne center of steel manufacturing inter ests. Music in an atmosphere oi steel is unique in coordination —symbolic of strength, physi cal and, social. Pittsburgh is beautiful tor location, situated at tne confluence of the Allegheny and Monongaheia ravers, form ing the Ohio, flanked by the Al legheny Mountains, tort Du quesne and the oia rilock House here gave a historic touch and called to mind that George Washington, nearly two nun dred years ago, surveyed the spot. “The Cathedral of Learn ing” (Skyscraper Hall, Univer sity of Pittsburgh), The Car negie Institute of Technology, The Mellon Institute . (the two Andrews) gave the academic: touch. _ More than five hundred Or ganists and Musicians gather ed here from all parts of the United States and Canada. In addition to the usual groups of recitals, there were Choral and three Religious ser vices. In this' year's meeting, special emphasis was laid on Choral music and educational features. The local committee, with Dr. Herbert C. Peabody, Chair man, had every detail well in hypH and the week's |program of events was {pronounced an unqualified success and flaw 16333 The officers are: Warden, Charles H. Doersam, F. A. G. 0. Sub-Warden, Wm. C. Carl, Mus. D-, A. G. 0 General Secretary, Ralph A Harris. Chaplain, Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick. Some among the Council are: Samuel A. Baldwin, Norman Coke-Jephcott, Seth Bingham, Charles Hemroth, Harold Vin cent Milligan, T- Tertius Noble, George Volkel, David McK. Wil liams, Grace Leeds Darnell, Frank Wright, R. H. Woodman. The Guild’s Purposes: (a) To advance the cause of worthy church music; to elevate the status of the church organ ists ; and to increase their ap preciation of their responsibili ties, duties and opportunities as conductors of worship. (b) To raise the standard of efficiency of organists by exam inations in organ playing, in the theory of music and in general music knowledge; and to grant certificates of Fellowship and Associateship to members of the Guild who pass such exami nations (c) To provide members with opportunities for meetings, for the discussion of professional topics, and to do other such lawful things as are incidental to the purpose of the Guild. Convention headquarters were at Schenley Hotel, Schenley Park. The center of musical activities wag at Carnegie Insti tute. The first, on Monday night, in the series of programs was a concert by the Pittsburgh String Symphonic Ensemble of thirty-one members. The com positions played were Mozart’s “Serenade,” Roussel’s “Sinfo nietta”, the three “Acuarelas Voleneianas,” by Chavarri. Mr. Del Bianco, the conduct or, closed the concert with an organ number, Bach’s Fugue in A Minor. A great ovation was given. A social hour followed at the Beilefield Presbyterian cnurch. Tuesday Mayor Wm. N. McNair, Tues day morning in Carnegie Hail, gave the welcome address say ing, in handing over the keys, that Pittsburgh is unique as a municipality, in that no taxes are levied. Dr. Charles H, Doer sam, tne Warden, wag intro duced as no king, no “il duce”, nor dictator, but an able execu tive. Dr. Doersam, in response, pointed out the character oi tne program and the hospitality 01 the local organists as assurance of the success qf the meeting. Following this, Marshall Bia well, organist ot Carnegie Mu sic Hail, and of Third Presby terian church, gave a recital on the grand organ. ..Bach’s “Pas sacagiia” “Chorale Prelude Nun Korum,’’ der Heiden Heiland, Allegro (Sonata E Flat). Finale irom Harvey B. Gaul’s “Sinfo nia Lii-urgica”, with theme “0 Filii , and Bedel's “Noel with variations", "Allegro Scherzan do” from Saint-Saens’ Concerto in G Minor. The recital closet, with Richard Strauss’ Symphon ic poem, “Death and Transfigu ration”. This recital was su perb and a high spot of the vveek. vAeoiian-Skinner organ ) Tuesday afternoon at Thira Street Presbyterian church, on the New Skinner Organ, Dr. Greenhouse Allt, of Edinburgh Scotland, was the recitalist. Dr. Allt is Master of Music at St. uiles Cathedral, Edinburgh. Organist of Edinburgh Univer sity and Conductor of the Roy al Choral Union. Marked interest was manifest ed in his performance in that it was as an example of the best in the.British Isles to-day. His was sturdy, dignified playing characteristic of the English, but to the American, character istically different in tempera ment, it would be lacking in col or and flexibility. The first group was from English composers, Stanley, Russell and Purcell of the i7th and 18th centuries. “Capriccio” by Capocci; Bach’s Fantasia in G Major (seldom played); Schu mann’s Fugue on B-A-C-H; “Rosymedre” (Prelude) by Vaughn Williams, a lilting ef fectiveness; Parry’s Prelude on “The Old 104thf’, and Elgar’s Pompous “Imperial March”, were given an authoritative and forceful reading. The Guild was happy in according to Dr. Allt an ovation as., an expon ent of the highest type of Brit ish organ playing. (Incidentally, the late Mrs. Johnson C. Smith and Mrs. Wm. Thaw were members of this church, the Third Presbyterian. Jewish Service A fine feature of the conven tion was a service of rare beau ty according to the Jewish Rit* ual, at Rodef Shalom Temple. Dr. Harvey B. Gaul directed the choral society of the Young Men’s and Young Women’s He brew Associations, in singing the impressive “Havodath fia kodesh” (sacred service) by Block. Charles A. H. Pearson, organist and choir director at the Temple, gave skilled and artistic support at the Kimball Organ, while Miss Lucy Balter ably supported at the piano the excellent singing by the chorus. Frederick Bker, baritone of New York, was the very pleasing so loist. The whole service was beautiful and most impressive. The Diapason prize of $100 for the best organ composition was awarded George Mead, As sistant Organist at Trinity church, New York. Evening Service The Mendelssohn Chorus Choir of Pittsburgh sang Bach’s Mass in B Minor. This colossal Choral work was superbly ren dered by this famous choir, di rected by Ernest Lunt, Miss Ann Hoot, leading soloist, with a well' balanced organ support by Homer C. Wickline, who played also as a prelude to the Maes, Chorale Preludes, “Wir giauben all", “HerzHch thut mich Verlaugen”, and Bach’s Prelude in B Minor. Wednesday’s Services Harold W. Gilbert, of St. Pe ter s Choir School, Pniladeiphia, gave a talk on the activity of the Diocesan Music Commis sion of Philadelphia. J>r. Dayton C. Miller of the Case School of Applied Science, Cleveland, Ohio, gave a lecture on the “Science of Musical Sounds". The lecture, illustrat ed with charts and apparatus, gave in detail the origin and character of sound. Dr. Miller was introduced as the most re nowned physicist of this coun try. Dr. Francis W- Snow of Bos ton, versatile and artistic, was outstanding in his recital at Carnegie Music Hall. He gave the first public performance of Garth Edmundson’s New “Apos tolic Symphony". Dr. Edmund son, of New Castle, Pa., was in the audience. Other numbers were Famum’s Toccata on “0 Filii et Filiae", Delemater’s “Carillon”, Gigout Scherzo and Karg-EIere’s “Legend of the Mountain." In the Edmundson Sympho ny are three movements: “Cha os and Prophesy'\ “A Carpen ter is Born”, and “Crucifixion and Fruition." Final numbers were Vierne’s Scherzo (Sixth Symphony) and an encore, Vierne’s “Carillon”' Dr. Philip S. Waters, Presi dent of the Hymn Society of America, in a brief address, spoke of the Ministers’ and Or ganists' Responsibility for sav ing music which would save wor ship, while worship would soon save religion as the one means of saving humanity. He men-, tioned-three laws for . making worship what it should be: the law of unity and coherence, the law of progression and the law of climax. Dr. William Erhart, director of music in the Pittsburgh schools, gave an address on work being done in the public schools of America in training ihe youth to be musically act ive and to appreciate the value of music. Dr. Erhart’s address was sup plemented by practical evidence by the Orchestra of the Taylor Aldrich High School in three numbers, conducted by Miss Laura Zeigler, and the a capella choir of the Peabody High School, directed by Miss Flor ence Shute. They sang works from Bach, Burleigh, Russian Chorales and Folk Songs,., all with beautiful tone, clear enun ciation and technical proficien cy. ■«.. Dr. Wm. Chalmers Covert of Philadelphia, former Moderator of the Presbyterian General As sembly, spoke on ‘ “Hymns, Or gans and Humanity", saying that there is now a better co operation between minister and organist than ever before. He said the Guild had done much to bring this about. He paid tribute to Andrew Carnegie for his contribution of six million dollars for organs. He stated that humanity needs more than ever before what the organ and the hymn and the church ser vice provide. Wednesday Night — East Liberty Church A congregation that complete ly filled the magnificent East Liberty Presbyterian church witnessed the annual religious service, which was really the peak of the week’s offerings. The new church is the last word in architectural beauty and ap pointment. After the ecclesiastic and ac ademic procession of clergy, of ficials, members and choirs, all in the vestments of their status, Miss Poteat of Dallas, Texas, opened the service with Liszt’s Prelude and Fugue “B-A-C-H”. j Bach's Choral Prelude on “Tr barm Dich Mein”, Fugue in D Major| and the Adagio., from Widor’s Fifth Symphony. The service was sung by the com bined choirs of the three large Episcopal churches—the Church of the Ascension, Calvary church and Trinity Cathedral. Dr. Harvey B. Gaul of Calvary church conducted. Dr. Alfred Hamer, of Trinity church was at the grand organ, a magnifi cent New Aeolian-Skinner, re cently installed. The choir num bers were Processional hymn, Ntinc dimitis and Magnificat by Horatio Parker; anthem, David D. Wood’s “The 'Twilight Shadows Fall”; Bulis New 150th Psalm” was the offertory; Ar thur Whiting’s Te Deum in A Major, and Hamer’s Benedic tujj. The recessional hymn wrig “Rejoice, the Lord is King”, a stirring recessional by Dr. Herbert C. Peabody of the Church of the Ascenson, and Chairman ofrthe local commit tee. Mr. xiugh T. Kerr, pastor ot the Sh$dyskle Presbyterian church, delivered the address in which he asked for a definite place of honor in the church for the organist. He cited the im portance of |music from the time when David calmed. Saul’s spirit wuh his harp to the pres ent, and stated that the organ ist has a place of his own as he alone can expel the evil spirits. F, C. McKinstry of Spring field, Mass., played as postlude, Bach’s Toccata, Adagio and Fu gue in C, bringing the service to a fitting and reverent close. Incidentally, * Mrs. Agnes B. Snively and Mrs. Larimer, of che staff of the Presbyterian Board of National Missions, are members of this church, East Liberty Presbyterian. Mrs. Lar imer was at this service. Thursday A series of brief lectures was scheduled for Thursday morn ing. Dr. Albert Reimenschnei der, of Bialdwin-Wallace College, Berea, Ohio, presented the sub ject: “Bach and the Organist”. The lecturer is one of the best present day authorities on the interpretation of Bach. His point of view was very illumi nating as to the proper inter pretation of the Chorale Pre ludes and Bach in general. He showed the importance of stu dying and knowing the words in the original German form, and the fine symbolism under lying the whole conception. For illustration, he played the Pre lude and Fugue in E Flat Ma jor, illustrating symbolism and the Trinity as the basis of con ception of the Prelude and the Fugue. “The] Old Year Now Hath Passed away”, Chorale Prelude, showed the three ways Bach portrayed grief and the depths of unfathomed emotion. Dr. Harvey B. Gaul was the Chairman of a Symposium with the following speakers: Mr. Morten J. Luvaas, of Allegheny College, topic, “Adult Choirs.” He spoke of his methods and policies, saying that “your choir is a picture of yourself, simply exemplifying your ideas of tone, technique and form.” Mr. Harold W. Gilbert, of Philadelphia,! recounted his method of dealing with boys, their voices, and his responsi bility as a Choir Master in shap | lllg tile ICVVIO tuaittvi/vio, Miss Grace Leeds Darnell, of New York, was happy in her re marks in respect to the train ing of Junior Choirs and Chil dren. The Symposium was suggestive. The morning recital, follow ing the Symposium, was given at the Church of the Ascension, one of Pittsburgh’s beautiful churches, by Mrs. Ethel S. Brett, of Sacramento, Califor nia. The program was: Franck’s Chorale in E Major, Famum’s Toccata on “0 Filii”, Stamit’s “Andante”, Boex “Marche Champetre”, and 'Hagg’s “Afj tonfried”. The fine qualities of tne A.eolian-c»j&nner urgan were brought, out to advantage in technique and registration. l>r. Charles N. Hoyd, of Pitts burgh, gave a brief address on the life of Dr. Albert Schweit-' zer, tne Alsatian Physician-mu sician Missionary. This ad dress was designated as given “On one of God’s noblemen by one ot America s noblemen." nr. Casper noch, eminent mu sician, analyzed the Julius KeubKe sonata, “The Ninety fourth Psalm." Tne composi tion was given in a brilliant manner by Mr. Parvin 'litus, 01 Cincinnati. The Mgfifigal Choir of Car negie Institute of Technology, directed by Hulda Jane Keniey, sang a group| of seventeentn century Madrigals. These were followed by Roger's Cantata, "U Sacred Head How Wound ed”, with soloists, Margaret •Spaulding, soprano, Mabel King, contralto; accompaniment, vio lin, oboe, with Robert Reuter at the organ and Edward Johe, director. This was a perform ance of rare beauty. Thursday Evening Solemn Vespers were tne very beautiful and impressive ser vice Thursday evening at Sac red Heart church. The immense edifice was filled to overflowing. Dr. Thomas F. Coakley offici ated. Edgar Bowman, tne or ganist, and a large, well train ed choir of boys and men and an auxiliary choir of girls, gave "Salva Regina", by Loiti; “Ave Verum”, by Byrd, and “Tantum Ergo”, by Victoria, sixteenth and seventeenth century works, and the Gregorian “Te Deum". These renditions, were beautiful. The Prelude was nu Mages "lirand Jeu”, and the Pos elude was, Fugue, and Chaconne of Buxtehude. Beau tiful music and devotion mark ed this service. At Calvary church, later, £laude L Mur free, of the Ufli versity of Florida, on the ex cellent Moller Organ, played the following recital: Jonger’s “So nata Eroica"; Stanley's Concer to in G Major; “Allegretto Grazioso”, by Roland Diggle; “Wind and the Grass”, Harvey B. Gaul (the organist and Choirmaster of this church); Garth Edmundson’s “Imagery in Tableaux”; Sowersby’s “Fan tasy”, (for flute stops); Fir min Swinnen’s “Sunshine”, Toc cata from the '‘Longwood Sketches”. The performance was a brilliant one. Friday At a brief meeting Friday morning there were reports of Committees on various activi ties. The Resolutions Commit tee warmly commended Dr. Her bert C. Peabody, Chairman of the local Committee, and his as sociates for the fine executive service rendered. Sharing with these were the organizations, churches, recitalists and all who had a part in making the con vention a success. Cincinnati’s invitation, pre sented by Joseph Schehl, was accepted, and that will be the Convention City for June, 1937. Hartford, Conn-, made a strong plea for the 1937 meeting, pre sented by Joseph S. Daltry. Dr. Carl Whitmer, of New York, had charge of a Seminar on Improvisation of the Church Service. Valuable points were brought out in a practical way on the mechanical, mental and emotional side of the subject. James Philip Johnson, organ ist of the Church of the Holy In nocents, Brooklyn, ,N- Y., illus trated on the organ in a most illuminating way, Dr. Whit mer’s method of improvisation. Charles A. Woods, Jr., of Se wickley, Pa., was presented the Wicks “Fuga” organ, as the winner of the coupon contest. The Allegheny Singers—Out standing The Allegheny Singers, a stu dent group from Allegheny Col (Continued on page 4) i HE PRESBYTERY OF Mc CLelLajNu UN FAujL SESSION The Presbytery of McClelland convened witn the irmo rirst rresbyxerian churcn, irmo, a.C*, sept. 3rd last, at V :3U r». m. t he opening sermon was preach ed by xhe retiring Moderator, cne Kev. n. Y- Kennedy. Text, l Cor. 3:t». The Jftev- L. E. Ginn was unan mousiy chosen ivi.oaera.-or ana -he Kev. H. y. Kennedy was maae Clerk Pro tern. The Kev. u- T. Murray and puling Kkier a- r. Jtsuuer, com mssioners to the last General Assembly, gave splendid reports m the work of die Assembly, they were given a vote of' .nanks for their fidelity. The Kevs* C. W- Francis and j. G. Porter, jj- D„ were nomi aated principal and alternate > .mmstenal commissioners to .he next General Assembly, re spectively. xtuling Elders E. G fteeder and S- W. Allen were .lominated principal and aUer iiote lay commissioners, res pec t .vely, to the next General As sembly. The Revs. D. T. Murray and /. D- Taylor were, granted their .etters of .dismissal to unite with the Presbyteries of Hodge and Cape Fear, respectively, fhe Rev. L. A. Ellis was grant ed permission to labor without, the bounds of the Presbytery. w ■ The Revs. E- W. Allen, Pres-,, oytery of Fairfield; A. A* ffiompson, Jr., Presbytery of Hodge; A- H. George, and L. B, West, D- D., Presbytery of Ca tawba, and M. R. Flack, Pres oy tery of Fairfield, were grant ed seats of corresponding mem bers of the Presbytery. The above named gentlemen made brief remarks and brought greetings from their Presby teries. .1 Mr- P- A. Patterson was ex amined in aU branches of sub jects for licensure and ordina tion to the gospel ministry. His examinations were satisfactory to the Presbytery and Mr. Pat terson was duly licensed and ordained to preach the gospel wherever God in His Provi dence may call him- The name «■ of the Rev. Mr. Patterson vlras added to the roll of Presbytery. The Revs. J- D. Porter, D. D„ C- W. Francis, H- Y. Kennedy and L- E. Ginn, Chairmen of Lhe Committees on the Boards of Christian Education, Na tional Missions, Foreign Mis sions and Pensions, respective ly made splendid reports- Dr. L-’ B. West, Field Representar tive, and the Rev. A. H. George spoke to the reports on the Boards of National Missions and Christian Education, re spectively. The Rev. A- H George, of Johnson C. Smith University, preached a fine sermon to the Presbytery at the close of the morning session. Friday evening was given ever to the Women’s Presbyteri al for a popular meeting. A can dle light service was portrayed by the members of the Women’s Presbyterial, directed by ‘Mrs. J. H. Toatley. Dr. L. B. West was the guest speaker. It is needless to say anything con cerning the address of Dr West. As usual, he gave a good account of himself. Mrs. A. P- Butler, President, grace fully presided. The Irmo First Presbyterian church entertained the Presby tery in her usual style. This is one of the churches that never shirks her duty and even goes beyond her obligations. This year the Presbytery was practic ally out in the woods for a place to meet. It was through the kindness ol Dr- porter ana ms congregation that wo found a debt of gratitude to the peo shelter- The Presbytery owes a debt of gratitude to the pas tor and his people for their op en arms of reception and hospi tty- _ __ (Continued on page 3)
Africo-American Presbyterian (Wilmington, N.C.)
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Sept. 24, 1936, edition 1
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