NEW CHURCH ORGAN

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 21024, 28 November 1933, Page 8

NEW CHURCH ORGAN

DEDICATION AT SYDENHAM

The opening and dedication of the new pipe organ at the Sydenham Methodist Church on Sunday last attracted very large congregations. In the afternoon Mr L. M. Isitt, a very old minister of the church, dedicated the instrument in the following words and prayer:—"Herewith I dedicate this organ, the offering of Thy servants in this church, to Thy service and glory. Lord, accept Thou this offering at our hands, and help us, who dedicate this organ to Thee, to dedicate ourselves, body, soul, and spirit, to Thy service here, until our entrance is abundant to that eternal and greater service beyond." Mr Isitt stated that some of his earliest spiritual impressions were associated with the organ in his boyhood's church in the old land. The older folk had at least one gift that youth did not have, the power of rich reminiscence. As regards the organ, it could be a very beautiful adjunct to the church service, but was a mere ornamental shell until the power was turned on. and the musician's hand was upon it. Life was made for something greater than jazz, and he urged those present to a personal dedication of life for God's service. In the evening the Rev. Ray Richards addressed another very large audience on the topic, "The Heart's Melody,"' applying the rules of musical progression to human life. In the afternoon Mr Melville Lawry presided at the organ, and revealed its beautiful tones and power in two organ solos, while an excellent programme of anthems was rendered by an augmented choir of 60 voices Mr E. Rogers played Mendelssohn's "If With All Your Heart." and Mrs Stewart and Mr Rogers united in the duet, 'Love Divine" (Stainer). A fine musical programme of anthems was aiso given in the evening, when Mrs Stewart, Miss M. Metson, Miss French Miss C. Collett and Mr S Sayers were among the soloists. Mr C. Evans presided at the organ and played several organ numbers.