MR. MAUGHAN BARNETT

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1704, 22 March 1913, Page 6

MR. MAUGHAN BARNETT

FAREWELLED BY ST. JOHN'S CHURCH. • ' -.'• Mr. Mauglian Barnett, choirmaster aild organist nt St. ' John's Presbyterian Church, was tendered, a farewell ''social" by the office-bearers and members of the choir of St. John's Church on Thursday evening in the Dixon Street Hall, , There was a good muster on the occasion though owing to the holidays thcra were many apologies for-unavoidable absence. In the course of the evening Dr. Gibb-presided and said that they were'mfct that night to say farewell to Mr. Barnett : who,'for eighteen years, had hold tho position of organist in St. John's Church. When the intimation was first made'that they were likely to loss. Mr. Harnett's services their, feeling had been one of consternation midthough they had had tirno to grow accustomed to the fact that they were presently to be deprived of his distinguished services their regret was •• still' dcen and strong. Mr. Bamett's musical - abilities needed no commendation. / As an 'organist he had just that something moro through which talent approximated to genius. Further, they had had in him what, from the standpoint of the Church, was of even greater importance— a' Christian gentleman who, by, his' own personal' character and the tone of dovotion he had imparted to the musical servico of the Church, had laid them all under a deep debt of thankfulness.

Mr. Clarke Johnson emphasised and endorsed all that tho minister had'said with regard to their friend. It was fitting also that reference should be made 'to tho services Mr. Barnett had rendered the cause of musical culture in this city. Ho had given years of strenuous toil to the task of educating the public iu the love of high-class music. It would be difficult to gauge the value of his. work in the Choral Society, the Orchestral Society., as well as his weekly recitals on the Town Hall- organ. They were all exceedingly sorry to part with him. For himself tho wrench was very trying. Ho had been associated with Mr. Barnelt in moro than one public matter, and felt for him a warm personal, friendship. He had been asked, on behalf of the office-bearers,-to present Mr._ Barnett with an illuminated address which was couched in the follcrwing terms:— "St. John's Church, Wellington, "Tho ministers, members of kirk sessions, and Committee of Management of St. John's Church, in accepting. Mr.' Barnetfs resignation of the position of organist, which he has held with much distinction for tho last eighteen years, unanimously, resolved to place on record an expression of their sincero regro.t that they • are to bo deprived of his valued services. "Mr. , • Barnetfs quhlities as a musician require no emphasis. That his organ-playing is not only highly = ' skilful, but of rare artistic merit, is universally recognised. A'ot' less mani- ' fest has been the tone of devotion which he has imparted to the music of tho church, noticeable aliko in tho singing and the' use limdo of'.tho instrument. He has. always sought to mako his work subservient to tho chief end of public worship, and his relations with tho authorities of the ' church have over been of a gratify-' ing character. "The office-bearers express tho hope that Mr. Baractt will find the change to Auckland iu all ways beneficial to himself and family, as it will undoubtedly be to tho musical interests of tho community which is shortly to enjoy tho privilege of his services."

The address is signed by Dr. Gibb, tho clerk of tho session (Mr. M. D. Menelaus), ami the, secretary of committee, (Mr. G. W. Morice). . ' A " Mr. Barnett, in reply, speko in a reminiscent vein. Ho acknowledged the kindness and consideration with which lie had ever met' at tho hands of the ministers, office-bearers, and people of St. John's! Ho had been led as they knew to undertake various public o fliers aiming at the musical education of tho community, .but ho- had not- received the encouragement' that might lmvo been reasonably expected. This lie would say: That if ho had- been supported as the people of St. John's had supported-him in these enterprises, he would not bo in rtlie position in which ho, was that night— about to leave this city. 'Ho thanked them for their memento of his connection with tho church. Songs and recitations were given during tho evening by Mrs. J. B. Martin, Misses Rash and Steele, Messrs. Barr, Martin, P. Pope, S. C. Johnson, and G H. Gibb.