FIRST CHURCH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22393, 15 October 1934, Page 11

FIRST CHURCH

CHORAL SERVICE •At a special choral service last evening excerpts from Mendelssohn’s “St Paul’ Were rendered by the church choir and assisting soloists —Miss Dorothy Mackay, Miss Jess M’Millan, Mr Alfred Walmsley, and Mr E. R. Benton. In a short address, the Rev. W. A. Stevely stressed the great value of music in public WorsliTp, creating as it did a helpful spiritual atmosphere. The range of choral work, quiet and dramatic, found the choir well prepared, and a high standard of interpretation was reached, especially in the selection “Oh Great is the Depth.” The soprano work of Miss Mackay, covering of a range of recitative and including the solos “Jerusalem, Thou That Killest,” and “ I Will Sing of Thy Great Mercies,” were given with fine feeling and effect. Miss Jess MacMillan (contralto), in the solo “But the Lord is Mindful of His Own,” gave a good rendition of the number, which suited her rich and sympathetic voice. Mr A. Walmsley’s numbers, including tbs well-known aria “Be Tho#Faithful Unto Death,” were deserving of high praise. Mr E. R. Benton (bass), whose principal solos were “ Censure Them All ” , and “0 God, Have Mercy,” gave of his best in a class of music in which he is much at home. The duet for tenor and bass, “ Now We Are Ambassadors,” was an outstanding number. The organist and choirmaster (Dr V. E. Galway) in all the accompanying work provided rich and beautiful effects, which contributed largely to the effect of the whole.