CHURCH MUSIC.

New Zealander, Volume 1, Issue 5, 5 July 1845, Page 3

CHURCH MUSIC.

To the Editor of the New-Zealaader.

Mr. Editor,— The long continuance of a public evil without prospect of an immediate remedy is a state at all times to be lamented, and the concern evinced is usually i« propoitiou to the importance of the cause of excitement. In the present instance the ftvil 1 would complain of, and endeavour to remedy is connected with a portion of the Service weekly observed at Si. Paul's Church, in Auckland. I allude to the manner in which the singing is still conducted, notwithstanding the reverence which all agree, is due to sacred things, and the consequent depression and regret experienced, by all who are interested in the decent and orderly conduct of the Service of the Church j many of whom daily expre»s their anxiety that such a state of things should no longer continue. Without imputing any blame, which would be much weakened by its very general diffusion, (for in my opmion'the whole congregation are implicated), I wonld endeavour to point out, that by the due observance of two very simple requisites, a very desirable change might be effected,-— the hist it>, that "a person competent for /u* sMI in sinying, be selected to lead the choir." The second u>, that each member of the congregation should humbly endeavour to fulfil that » hich is required of him, in his attendance upon the Lord. The first of these requisites is carefully laid down in the Canons of our Church,— and although a pei son competent for his skill in singing has, most assuredly, not been hitherto selected to lead the choir at Si. Paul's Church ; such an one may yet be found without difficulty. The second requisite is a matter to be settled between each individual and his own conscience, and it is with a desire to rouse each to a proper •ense of duly, and to struggle against the general indifference growing up amongst us, tnto the power of habit, that I am induced to give publication to my thoughts. 1 ana Sir, Your's truly, A CHURCHMAN. 30th June, 1845. [As the above communication refers merely to a point of discipline and not of doctrine, we willingly insert it, concurring as we do in the propriety that the vt hole service of the Church, should be duly and solemnly performed. There is not a more beautiful proof of true piety than serious fervent participation in the psalmody. Ed.]