TARANAKI ARCHDEACONRY

Taranaki Daily News, 3 November 1922, Page 4

TARANAKI ARCHDEACONRY

ANNUAL CHORAL FESTIVAL. The annual choral festival service of combined choirs in the Taranaki archdeaconry was held last night in St. Mary’s Church, the choirs represented being: St. Mary’s New Plymouth (33); Holy Trinity, Stratford (14); St. John’s, Waitara (7); Inglewood (6). In addition, the clergy were the Rev. R. J. Stanton (Inglewood), Rev. H. A. Coleman (Okato), Rev. G. Gavin (Waitara), Rev. G. T. Beale (Te Henui), Rev. E. H. Strong (St. Mary’s) and the Venerable Archdeacon F. G. Evans, the archdeacon of Taranaki. The hymns were all especially chosen, as the service was held during the festival of AU Saints, and were all sung with wonderful unanimity of precision, considering the fact that during the procession round the church the head of the choir was in its place before the clergy had moved off from their starting point. The Canticles were sung to Calkin’s Service in B flat, the Magnificat being particularly well sung and the tone was wonderfully solid and round, while attacks were decided and most convincing. The anthem selected was one that might well tax the care of a well-trained body of singers, and except for a little unsteadiness in the opening of a recitative, was wonderful in its precision. All Wesley’s church is full of a true devotional spirit, and withal the true artist shines in every phrase. Mrs. Wilkes’ solo part was most beautifully sung, and the answering choral effects gave point and emphasis to it all, the choral work being a magnificent setting. * Such services are an inspiration, and town and country alike must be encouraged in every way to carry them on, as such efforts make for the best of church music, sung in the only surroundings possible. Mrs. R. C. Hughes very generously entertained the combined choirs to tea at her house, where a pleasant time was spent in conversation over a cup of refreshing tea. After service the choirs met in St. Mary s Hall for supper and happy re-union before separating for their various homes.