SERVICE OF SONG.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XI, Issue 3993, 29 August 1874, Page 3

SERVICE OF SONG.

A children's service of song was helil in the Wesleyan chapel, Grafton road, last evening. The procedings having been opened by singing and prayer, the Rev. llr. Oliver stated that in holding the service of son" the hope was entertained that it would con° duee to the more general employment of song in religious exercises. The money obtained by the service would be devoted to Sundayschool purposes. The reading portion was conducted by the Rev. A. Reid, and the singing by the Sunday-school children assisted by their teachers. The subject treated was the allegory of the " Pilgrim's Progress" from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. Christian's journey, as described by the immortal Bimyan was read, and at intervals appropriate pieces were rendered by the choir, in a manner as pleasing as it was novel. It might indeed be described as illustrating it with music. For instance, when Christian had been turned aside by the counsel of Worldlywiseman, and after deep contrition was, at the direction of Evangelist, again seeking the path to the Wicket Gate, °the narrator says, "and I heard a noise as of many voices singing"—when the choir immediately rung forth " Courage, brother, do not stumble." In this way, distinct from and yet having an intimate relation to the narrative, selections of music are introduced. About fifty children and twelve adults formed the choir. The music was simple, appropriate, and harmonious.