SERVICE OF SONG AT WINCHESTER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1595, 16 June 1887, Page 3

SERVICE OF SONG AT WINCHESTER.

A service of song entitled " Eva" was given by tbe choir of St. Saviour's Church (Temuka), at the Winchester schoolroom on Monday evening last in aid of tbe Sunday School Library in connection with the Winchester Sanda; School. The Rev. T. A. Hamilton explained the reason of their gathering, and regretted the inclemency of the weather prevented so many from attending, bathe was sure the singing would ba as enthusiastic as though the room was full, and that the thanks of the Winchester people would be heartily accorded to the ladies and gentlemen of tbe Temuka choir. The rev. gentleman remarked that the piece was taken from " Pncle Tom's Cabin," and requested * the audience to remember that Uncle Tom was a slave. " Scatter Seeds of Kindness " was then sung by the choir, after which the rev. Chairman read a portion descriptive of the character of Eva, the choir following with " The Happy Home." A further explanation of the character of Eva, the manner in which Uncle Tom made. her acquaintance, how Tom was purchased by Eva's father, and Eva's delight on seeing her home, was then read by the Chairman, the choir afterwards rendering " Home Home" most feelingly. The Chairman then desoribed how the friendship between Uncle Tom and Eva grew and increased, the choir following with " Par, Par Away." Ihe Cb airman then read a conversation between Eva and Tom as to the position of the New Jerusalem, the choir singing " I see a World of Spirits Bright," The rev. gentleman then read that touching dia* logue betwee* old Tom and Eva where Eva tells Tom that she is going away before long, and Tom recollects how she has gradually faded during the previous six months, the choir following with "Thou art Passing Away." Another extract by th« Chairman was followed by " My Beautiful Home," by the choir, one of the gems of the evening. That pathetic Btory where Era tells her father that she is going to leave him, never to return, was feelingly read, and the choir followed with " I Long to be There." Eva's address to her father's slaves, and her gift of a lock of hair to each, was then read, after which the choir sang "To the Land Where Jesus Dwelletb." The rendering of this beautiful piece was much appreciated. An extract descriptive of the simplicity and faithfulness of j old Tom was followed by the phoir giying I « Behnld tbe Bridegroom Cometh," A further extract by the Chairman was followed by "He Watched Her Breathing." The death scene was read by the Chairman, and was followed by the choir singing " Safe in the Arms of Jesus." «' Peacefully Sleep " waß then pathetically given by Mesdames lioat and Hargreaves, and the Rev. T. A. Hamilton and Mr Whitehead, after which followed that realist}? burial scene, the choir concluding by singing » Vital Spark of Heavenly Flame " in a finished manner. The Rev. Mr Hamilton then pronounced thedoxology and the meeting terminated, It is very seldom the people of Winchester are afforded such a musical treat, and it is much to be regretted that the wet night and want of advertising prevented so many persons from enjoying it. Tbe ladies and gentlemen of tbe choir, however, have kindly consented to repeat tbe service a few days betore the next full moon, when it is expected the house will be crowded,