Psalm Singing Extraordinary.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2932, 9 July 1878, Page 3

Psalm Singing Extraordinary.

At Stokes Valley, in there lives a man who once agsistecf^in singing the whole of the 119fch Psalm. This fact, added to the fact that he is descended from a long line of gravediggers, has gained for him the respect of his fellowtownsmen, one of whom tells this story. It seems that many years ago the parson of the parish thought it his duty to attend marriage feasts, and the parish clerk at the same time thought it his duty to assist at christening tea-parties. It so fell out that these two functionaries quar-; relied, and the parson, scorning to do an unchristian act, one day commanded the clerk's presence only at an hour wheii he knew that certain teacakes and muffins' would be at their best. The clerk saw the move, aud determined on his revenge! Having got t«ie choir and band on his side, on a certain Sunday morning, when the parson had shortened his sermon in order to eat with Darby and Joan, jast married, instead of giving out part one of the 119 th psalm, the clerk gave out, " Let us sing to the praise and glory of God the 119 th psalm—all on't." lac parson, with his head on the pulpit cushion, for some time did not notice what was going on, and by the time he did the musicians were fairly at work, and, in spite of all he could say or do were not to be denied i Sometimes only one voice and one instrument could be heard, but still the air was never lost. The fiddlers wore out their bows and strings, the flute-playor nearly^ blew out his front teeth, the clarionet never recovered its tone, and the singers all suffered more or less, but they kept it up to the bitter end.