FUNERAL BEAUTIFUL

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 12, 14 July 1931, Page 3

FUNERAL BEAUTIFUL

SANCTIFIED BY MUSIC,

KADIO. IN THE MORTUARY

CHAPEL,

"It was my sad duty upon a recent occasion to attend the funeral of a dear friend, whom I -had known from /boyhood. In order to make it convenient for as many as possible of his friends to attend the funeral was conducted from a mortuary chapel in the heart _of the city, quite immune froni'the noise of industry and street traffic. A number of us were standing sorrowfully round, the bier awaiting the arrival of tlie minister when gradually the small chapel was flooded witli beautiful music. It was the old hymn, 'Abide with Me,' sung with commendable reverence and sweetness by a well-balanced choir. The surprise was such that we at once gazed about to find its origin. All that anyone in tlie chapel could see was a square inlet of fretwork on the; western wall, depicting a setting sun. "There was no doubt as to the effect created. Old hymns such'as this one have a solacing effect in times of great sorrow, and in this instance the singing of this choir seemed to bo just the touch needed at that moment —itbridged an awkward interval for everyone concerned. Music is a veritable Balm of Gilead to saddened hearts, and its introduction at such a time and place was a happy inspiration. "Nor was this all. By tbo time the last faint strains of the hymn had died away the minister in his surplico had entered the little chapel, and taken his place at the head of the coffin. With all simplicity and sincerity the service for tho dead, was recited, and a prayer for the afflicted came as a benediction. Then as the last words were spoken, and the attendants commenced to remove, the lovely floral tributes that garlanded the coffin, the ear was once more arrested. . . This time it was the glorious strains of Chopin's ' March c Funebre,' one of the most solemnly inspiring compositions in the whole literature of music. The march was beauti,fully played by a prominent organist, and, as in the ease of the hymn, the record -was relayed to the chapel lo'udspoaker by radio valves. The device was very simple, but being the first Hmo it has been applied for such a purpose made it all the more impressive. The introduction of the music certainly beautified the service, and bridged over those rather embarrassing moments immediately preceding and succeeding the service. Such an adjunct to a funeral may only be supplied in tho ordinary way by holding the memorial service in a church, but that is not always convenient or even desirous; so that tho introduction of music into services held in mortuary chapels is at once an innovation and a gracious and beautiful tiling." , It need only bo stated that the mortuary chapel mentioned in the above experience is that of E. Morris, junr., in Taranaki street, the most convenient centre probably tho whole of "Wellington affords for such a purpose. The old idea of inviting peoplo to attend funerals which leave residences in some distant suburb is fast disappearing. Nowadays it is considered in the best interests of everyone and also of hygiene to have the body removed as quickly as possible to a mortuary, and instead of holding a service in the house transfer it to tho mortuary chapel. It is this trend which has induced E. Morris, junr., to install on his premises a complete modern radio equipment for use in the above described manner. This firm has been in business in this city for fifty-five years, and has earned the reputation of conducting its affairs on the latest lines, with ali reverence arid expedition. There 'is a fullyrequipped factory, fitted with the very latest wood-working machinery, on the premises, and tho firm's motor servieo of hearse coaches is not excelled by any in New Zealand.—Published by arrangement.