St. Stephen's Church Choir.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXi, Issue 6066, 12 September 1903, Page 2

St. Stephen's Church Choir.

Visit Mr and Mrs D, Thomas.

A Pleasant Musical Evening.

It was a happy thought which induced Mr T>. Thomas when in England to purchaee'souie 30 volumes of anthems, each containing fcup b,qoks published by Noveilo and Co., for the use of St. Stephen's Church Ohoir, Aehburfcon. The gift of the volumes, made on his return, was a timely and serviceable one. That it has been helpful to and appreciated by the choir was shown last evening when its members p^id Mr and Mrs Thomas the graceful compliment of enteria.injag them by singing a number of the anthems at £heir residence in Tinwald. The spacious social room in which the f unction, took place, is eminently adopted for musical gatheiiags, its acoustic properties being simply excellent. As a natural consequence the choir was heard to advantage, the effect being such as to set one longing for the day whsn similar music will be possible in the church itself. Tttj members have probably never sung belter, than they did last night, and in one or two instances they may be said to have Surpassed themselves, T|e programme, though not a long one as originally planned, was so highly appreoiatai that it was considerably extended, and, much to the delight of the visitors, was further added to by items contributed by members of Mr Thomas's family. The anthems given by the choir were , 0 taste and see that the tiQtd is gracious," " I waß glad when they gai'd unto me,""" Thine 0 I^orcf," "Je shall dwell," and ". Let us now. gq qven unto 1 the ijast t\sro'being repeated, 'jfye singiijg of "Ye shall dwell," was exceptionally merifcqrious, the QRening recitative bejag given with minglpd force and feeling b.y Wr W. Schwartz, Master Sid Willis, whose tones were beautifully clear and sweet, taking the treble solo parts both in this aud the subsequent number " Let us go now even unto Bethleham." Mr Schwartz's solo " Eternal Rest," was also finely sung, and two violin bolos given by Mr Arthur Claridge, junr., were very much appreciated. Miss Thomas contrib'ufced a couple of solos on the harp, the rich dulcet tones o£ which afforded an imoxpocted treat, and also suDg to her own accompaniment on the same instrument " Kathleen Mavoureen," while Mrs Thomas and Mr Jennings contributed a duet, the latter also g:ving a solo. Towards the close of the evening Mrs H. A: Gates gave a solo "Nbver Again," the exquisite rendering of which possibly constituted it the. gem of the evening. Mr Thonjas also eqntributed several itomg to Hjo programmQ, th§ heartiness and vim of hi 3 pongs comme'ncling them to one and all. Mr Horace A. Gates, as choirmaster wielded the leader's baton throughout the evening, Mrs A. C. Claridge presiding at the organ. Supper was served about 11} o'ulonk, the ladies of the household having provided q bountiful supply of good thi^s/ which were pvidently' 'Aggrecfated by the guests. Before retiring 'fche Re^. E. Whjtahouse m.oyed a very hearty vbtti of thaaks to Mr and M.vu Thgnias for their generous treatment of the ohotp aod fot> the kindly hospitality extended to them that evening. Mr Thomas in acknowledging the vote of thanks, which was carried by aGol^mßfcjon., said he hoped to make the gathering !'^'i a&nuajL om^. Mrg Thomas and himself hVd' mftch ' '^ppV'ei^ate| the kindness which had prompted" thephoirfeb come over and spend the evening with them. They had appreciated the music very much. He hoped next time they came they would have a dozen anthem 3 jtd sing and 1 he uadgr'fiak'e to find a dozen other item?." The E"ation§.l Aptjigm and the guests then took Iflaye o? ilieij.; Ijost aftd hostess, haying spent very pleasant evening. ' i