"BETHANY,”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21198, 2 December 1930, Page 11

"BETHANY,”

AN EXCELLENT RENDERING. ver X devotional rendering of Bethany '’ (by F. A. Challinorf vm SI? 011 unda Z evening by the choir of Moray Place Congregational Church to a large congregation. The soloists were n lßs Shepard, Miss Margaret Green, Mr P E. Daviu, Mr CL Stuart Thomson, and Mr J D M'Kechnie. Mrs i Apdetson and Mr E. Paris took solo parts from the choir. The opening fhf C i S - 0a - W ?fJf hlP r. were inducted by % mi il ,Bter . (? he ? ev * Albert Mead), 5. ter , that the Gospel mesl sage was to be sung, instead of spoken, read passages upon the work to be perfu r .M'Millan, who presided at the organ, introduced the theme or the work in a very sympathetic manner, maintaining it throughout. The spin, of the singers, in solo, duet, or chorus work, was reverent, the piece working up to a triumphant ending, "Who is ttis power majestic?” The cantata is one of the lesser-known works of its kind, embodying chiefly the story of the raising of Lazarus, and it was refreshing to bear something which waa off the beaten track. It was a treat to be able to hear distinctly the words of the whole work, especially its choir portions. Upon this, together with the finished style, the Jf ho , le choir and all the soloists are to be heartily congratulated, and Mr Alfred Walmsley the conductor, is to be warmly commended, not only for the artistic finish he achieved, but for the reverent interpretation attained, which made the service an act of worship, rather than a mere performance of a religious work. Such • enng as was given on Sunday evening is worthy of repetition.