CHOIR SINGING

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21320, 13 November 1934, Page 8

CHOIR SINGING

TO THE EDITOB OT THE PEISS. Sir,—Your correspondent "Physiognomy" states that I suggested that there should have been a gathering of choir people to hear Dr. Nicholson. He then remarks "that Dr. Nicholson came for that very purpose." "Physiognomy," however, very stupidly further says I seem to have remarkably little knowledge of what Dr. Nicholson came for. This seems to be detraction for its own sake. My knowledge at any rate is better than your correspondent's knowledge of church history. He evidently does not know that there are no such people as nonconformists in New Zealand. If Dr. Nicholson only came to improve church music in Anglican churches, then I regret his mission had not a wider scope. If he came only to the lost sheep of the Anglican fold there is nothing further to be said- but I would rather see the purebreds and the crossbreds mingling, feeding in the same paddock and listening to the voice of one shepherd. The heads and leaders of the Anglicans amongst us are not men of narrow ideas and sympathies. If a union could be brought about that would bring together the choirs of all the churches, the outcome, I believe, would be nothing but good. Dr. Nicholson may have gone, but here is a big work that is worth doing which would sweeten and enrich the whole life of this community. There are three or four master musicians in Christchurch who are quite equal to the conductorship of such a movement. What is needed just now is some one who can organise and get things moving. It is not to our credit that Christchurch, this city of churches, has gone so long without a choral union; for such an association would lead to a wider field of service. Dr. Fosdick says: "God is no fool to be pleased by flattery. What does He care for our songs, except our lives are serving His other children." My purpose is to try to help those who serve. Now the shadows are very long it's about all I can do.—Yours, etc.