CHORAL FESTIVAL AT ST. MARYS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIII, Issue 194, 30 August 1901, Page 2

CHORAL FESTIVAL AT ST. MARYS.

Unfortunately the weather was most arjfavounUn for the presence of a large congregation at Sr,, Mary's Cnuroh on Thursday evening, when a choral festival service was rendered by the combined choirs of the following churches: Stratford, Inglewood, Omata, Bell Block, Te Henui, and St. Mary's. The 3omp ir&tively empty church must have bad rather a depressing effect on the viuting ohoirs, but tbey certainly did not let that circumstance damp their ardour, nor in any way affect; their vocal powers. Those few who formed the congregation bad the opportunity of taking part in a choral service, which was distinctly devout, hearty and tuneful. The effect of the combined choirs was very pleasing, and while sho.ving that much pans had been taken by the members it gave promise of yet better and higher aims in the future. From a musical point of view, the servicj was a complete success, the anthem being particularly, well rendered. During the offertory Mr. Treblico saog "OoosoUtioa" with much taste and expression. The prayers were intoned by the R v. A. Orompton (Opunake), the lessons being read by the Rev. N. D. Boyes (Stratford), the Rev. 0. W. Robinson (loglewood) bing aUo present. The Rav.'s F. W. Young and F. A. Bennett were prevented from attending. The sermon was preached by tha Rev. A. Orompton from the text " How can wa sing the Lord'* song in a strange land '{" The preacher gave an excellent and forcible address, and at the conclusion tendered some practical advice to the choirs. The viear, the Rev. F. G. Evans, pronounced the Benediction, and the service was concluded by a recessional by ran, An adjournment was made attar the service to St Mary's Hall, where for a while the visitors wera entertained, the lilies of the congregation having kindly provided refreshtuen s. At this scoial gathering 'he R:v. A. Orompton [and Mr Bwnister (Wellington) contributed s mgs,which wera much «njoyed. Hearty cheer* were accorded Messrs Fletcher and Woodard in acknowledgment of the trouh'e they had taken in connection with the gathering, and with much enthusiasm it x wis decided by those present to hold another festival about the same time nßxt year. The Rev. 0. W, KobiDSon, on behilf of the visiting clergy and choirs, warmly thanked the ladies for their kindness,, and before separating, all present heartjly joined in singing " Au'd Lang iSyne." There appears to be every ap? pearance of tlin fixture developing into a choral union that will have a far reaching eff-set on the rendering of church music in I'aranaki.