USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Roxbury > History of the First Church in Roxbury, Massachusetts, 1630-1904 > Part 25
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We the subscribers (a number of your Parish) hereby Express our inclination and desire, that you would propose to the Church and Congre- gation under Your Care (in such manner as you Think sutable) the intro- duction among them of the last Mentioned version: and we would recom- mend that Edition (lately Published) to which is annexed a number of Hymns, suited to sacramental Occasions.
We are with Great Esteem
Sr Your Most Humble Servants
JAMES BOWDOIN. BENJAMIN MAY.
EBENEZER DORR.
EBENEZER MAY.
SAMII STEVENS.
ISAAC WINSLOW.
SAMII GRIDLEY.
JOSEPH CURTISS.
JAMES MEARS. EBENEZER NEWELL.
SAMUI WILLIAMS. JOHN WILLIAMS.
JONATHAN HALL. JOSEPH WILLIAMS.
WILLIAM BOSSON. EBENT PIERPONT.
NOANI PERRIN. WILLIAM GRIDLEY.
JAMES MEARS, JUNT. JOHN PIERPONT.
BENJAMIN WILLIAMS. WILLIAM PIERPONT.
JOSEPII WELD.
WILLIAM HEATH.
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MUSIC
TO THE REVd MR. ADAMS.
The within is a True Copy of a letter Communicated to the first Congre- gation in Roxbury on Sept. 11, 1757, and agreeable to the Desire therein Expressed it was proposed by the Paster to the Congregation that they Take this version into Consideration for a considerable Time at least six or seven weeks, and it was Recommended to them to Read and acquaint themselves with this version, and if after having Carefully Read & Con- sidered this version any find Cause to object against it the Pastor Desires that he may be Timely informed of it.
Attest
AMOS ADAMS.
July 9, 1758. The Congregation Tarried after the Bless- ing and the above letter was again read, and now at the motion of two gentlemen of the Congregation (none objecting to the motion) the Question was put by the Pastor "Whether it be the minds of the Congregation to lay aside the New England Version of Psalms and in the Room thereof to use henceforth the version of Tate & Brady with a collection of Hymns Chiefly from Dr. Watts which are now used by some of the Neighboring Congregations," and it passed in the affirmative.
Ebenezer Fox, a Roxbury lad, has furnished this reminis- cence of the music of this old meeting house in 1775. "Deacon Crafts used to read aloud one verse at a time of the psalm or hymn, which the choir would sing, and then wait till he had read another. Hymn books were not in general use; they were, some time after, in the pews of the wealthy. At a subsequent period fuguing tunes were introduced and they produced a literally fuguing effect upon the elder people, the greater part of whom went out of church as soon as the first verse was sung." After a while the bass viol was introduced, much to the scandal of the elders, who dubbed it the "devil's fiddle," while the choir called it the "Lord's fiddle." Fox continues, "I well remember the first Sabbath that the bass viol was used, as an accompaniment to the singing. The
340
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
old pious people were horror struck at what they considered a sacrilegious innovation, and went out of meeting in high dudgeon. One old church member stood at the church door and showed his contempt for the music by making a sort of caterwauling noise, which he called 'mocking the banjo.' A meeting of the 'pillars of the church' took place, but into it managed to creep some young and frisky laymen, and for a time things were rather lively, and Dr. Emmons, who was then temporarily filling the pulpit, had hard work to preserve order. He finally succeeded in making himself heard. 'Show me,' he said, 'a single instance in the Bible where they use the obnoxious instrument and I am content.' 'But they used other stringed instruments,' said a layman. 'That has nothing to do with it. My question is, do they ever speak of the bass viol in the book? Answer me.' Silence reigned. 'No,' continued the doctor, 'they do not. And do you think the Almighty and his angels would put up with such squeaky noises? Do you think that they cannot tell good and pious music, that you try to inflict them with discord and inharmonious tunes ? Mark me, those of you who continue to sing to the "devil's fiddle" will never have a chance to sing to the sublime sounds of the harp and the lute. But I have said that the Almighty abominated such noises, and so do I, and I will never read God's Word in a mecting house where the choir sing in unison with an inven- tion of the devil.'" And he never did.
What two prominent members thought of the use of the bass viol may best be told in their own words. Deacon Felton in his Records says, "July 27, 1788, was introduced that unmeaning lifeless sound upon a Bass Viol, as a part of Divine worship in the First church of Christ in Roxbury, the manner of its introduction was simply this, it was ask'd the Church by their Rev. Pastor whether they were willing the
.
341
MUSIC
Viol should be made use of in their worship on the sabbath day, upon which one of the Church rose and said if there was any one had any objection to make, why it should not, he wish'd they would make it for his part he said he had none. But no vote of the Church was taken upon the subject. And Thus (in my weak opinion) relapses a pure primitive Church of Christ of One Hundred and Fifty years standing into error and vain glory. From which the good Lord Deliver us."
William Heath writes to Rev. Mr. Eliphalet Porter under date of Aug. 4, 1788, as follows: --
"Instrumental musick was yesterday introduced into divine worship in the meeting house of the First Church and Congregation of this town, and altho for myself I am fully of opinion that the use of instrumental musick in divine worship may be vindicated both from Scripture and reason, yet I conceive that for obvious reasons it ought not to be introduced without the consent and approbation of the Church. As I have not heard that either have been requested or obtained, I cannot refrain from addressing you on the subject. If the young gentlemen, who favor the Congrega- tion by leading the singing, introduced instrumental musick of their own motion, I think it was going too far and invading the rights of the Church. Nor can I persuade myself to believe that any individuals would advise to the measure untill the sense of the Church was known, as this would be arrogating to themselves a power which I presume no indi- viduals have a right to cxercise in the Church. Permit me therefore, to request (for the satisfaction of my own mind) to be informed how and in what manner the introduction took place. While it is my ardent desire not only to join, but also to encourage everything which may tend to the furtherance of publick devotion, I wish to see everything conducted decently and in order."
342
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE'
Notwithstanding the protests of several members, musical instruments were used to assist the singers, down to the time of the building of the first organ in 1821. The only ones mentioned are a bass viol and a clarionet. They were all sold when the organ was built.
Near the close of the eighteenth century the hymn book used was "Psalms and Hymns," by Rev. Jeremy Belknap, D.D., this being substituted for the Tate and Brady collection.
It having been the anxious wish of many individuals in the Parish to have an organ procured to aid in the services of Publick Worship, Messrs. Nathaniel Dorr, John Doggett and Joseph Harrington took upon themselves the very arduous task of procuring by subscription the means of purchasing such an instrument. After having obtained about $1250, a meeting of the subscribers was called on the evening of the 18th December, 1820, at the Town House. At this meeting, Jonathan Dorr, Esq., was chosen moderator and John Lemist was chosen Secretary.
After discussing the objects of the meeting, it was voted to petition the Parish Committee to warn the members of the Parish to meet at the meeting house on Friday, Dec. 22, 1820, at 2 o'clock P.M., to take into consideration whether the Parish will accept an organ and have the same erected for the use of the Parish in said House. A petition was then introduced by Joseph Harrington, Esq., for that purpose, and after being duly signed was presented to the Parish Com- mittee. At the same time a committee, consisting of Jonathan Dorr, Isaac Davis, William Blaney, John Doggett, Joseph Harrington, John Lemist, Peter G. Robbins, John Champ- ney, Jacob Allen, was chosen to carry the objects of the sub- scribers into complete effect. The Parish, having accepted the offer of an organ, Dr. Robbins was made Treasurer of the fund, and a sub-committee, consisting of William Blaney,
343
MUSIC
Joseph Harrington, Isaac Davis, and John Champney con- tracted with Mr. Appleton to build an organ, and after its completion presented it to the Parish in behalf of the sub- scribers, who at last had the satisfaction of seeing an organ erected much superior to what were their most sanguine hopes at the commencement of their exertions, and under the impression that the Parish would, from time to time, grant such liberal support as would command a person of talents whose performances would excite in us that pure and holy spirit of devotion which is due to the Great Author and Disposer of all things.
The subscribers were as follows: -
Jonathan Dorr $110.00
William Blaney $30.00
John Lemist
110.00
Samuel Guild . 40.00
Peter G. Robbins 115.00
Louisa Williams . 5.00
John Parker 100.00
Lewis Withington 3.00
Nathaniel Snow
20.00
Asa Bugbee . 5.00
Thomas Williams
50.00
Aaron Willard 10.00
Sam'l Wait
50.00
Tho. Robinson
25.00
Benj. Weld . 35.00
Jno. Champney
30.00
Joseph Ward 8.00
Eben. Francis
25.00
John Doggett
70.00
Elijah Vose Jr.
10.00
Joseph Harrington 30.00
Wm. Lambert
15.00
Nath1 Dorr
32.00
Joseph Williams 10.00
Jonª Hunnewell . 30.00
Stedman Williams
20.00
Friends .
6.00
A. D. Williams
35.00
Edmund Munroe
25.00
Moses Davis
10.00
Joseph H. Hawes
7.00
Wm. C. Hunneman
20.00
Isaac Rand
3.00
Sam'l Doggett
25.00
Tho. Lillie
10.00
wm. H. Spooner
10.00
David Baker 10.00
Chenery Clark
15.00
Eben™ Bugbee 5.00
Misses Waite . 4.00
John Lowell. 25.00
William Eustis
10.00
Charles Davis
50.00
John W. Child
5.00
Elijah Lewis
10.00
Benj. Meriam
3.00
Eliza Brewer
5.00
Ezra Morse 5.00
Nehemiah Munroe 38.00
Eben. Crafts 30.00
Sam'l Langley 15.00
Isaac Davis
70.00
James Riley 5.00
Martha Ruggles 10.00
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THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
William Langley
$5.00
Charles Fox
$3.00
Wm. Blanchard
20.00
Nath1 Magoon.
2.00
Jonª. A. Richards
10.00
John Clap
3.00
Wm. Blanchard
15.00
Benj. B. Curtis
3.00
wm. Pratt .
10.00
Thos. K. Jones
20.00
Sam'l Sumner
10.00
John Williams
5.00
William Patten
25.00
John A. Lowell
10.00
Susan Davis
10.00
Asa Whitney
10.00
Jos. Hastings
3.00
Dan'l Wild
5.00
Guy Carlton
5.00
Austin & Fowle
15.00
Abigail Meriam
15.00
Jacob Allen .
10.00
Andrew Robertson
3.00
Mrs. Williams
5.00
Francis Dana
2.00
N. D. Williams
15.00
John Whittemore
2.00
Amos Smith
5.00
James Adams.
3.00
Z. B. Adams
10.00
D. A. Simmons .
10.00
Daniel Saunderson . 15.00
John C. Estabrook
4.00
Wm. D'ore
5.00
Sherman Leland
10.00
Mary Williams
5.00
Eliphalet Porter
35.00
Cap. Cazneau
2.00
Abigail Seaver
10.00
Thos. W. Scott
2.00
Stephen S. Davis
5.00
Total amount of subscriptions was $1816. The organ cost $1800 agreeably to contract and was finished in Nov. 1821. Mr. Taylor was paid $25 for playing on it and other services.
In 1849 it was found necessary to put the organ in complete repair, $600 being raised by subscription for that purpose. The following year, however, members of the congregation subscribed for a new organ.
In May, 1822, it was determined to engage Miss Emma Dillaway as organist for the term of six months from the 13th of May, as for the previous six months she had gener- ously given her services, and to allow her pay during that . time at the rate of one hundred and fifty dollars per year. She was discharged Nov. 13, 1822, and Mr. Joseph Wilson appointed organist began his duties Nov. 17, 1822, and continued to serve until April, 1825. He was followed by
345
MUSIC
K. B. Stratford in 1825 and 1826. Geo. W. Hewitt, 1827; Geo. O. Farmer 1828 and 1829; Asa Fillebrown, 1830 to 1836; John N. Pierce, 1837; George O. Farmer, 1838 to 1848. About 1830 the Hymn Book used was "A collection of Psalms and Hymns," by Rev. Dr. Francis W. P. Green- wood and this continued to be used until 1877, when it was succeeded by the Hymn and Tune Book, published by the American Unitarian Association, in use at the present time.
The vocal part of the music had, since its beginning in the latter part of the eighteenth century, been rendered entirely by volunteers, and the first time the choristers were mentioned by name, for the purpose of leading, was when Jonathan Harrington was chosen in 1811. He was followed by Benjamin Baker Davis in 1816, William K. Phipps in 1816, James G. Loring in 1820, John Willard in 1820, John Fuller in 1822, Joseph W. Tucker in 1827, Isaac Cham- berlain from Jan. 1, 1829, to Jan. 1, 1850.
The first paid singers were Mrs. Sophia M. Blendell, soprano, and Miss Elizabeth Clap Rumrill, alto, who entered the choir in 1827, and toward their salaries twelve members of the Society agreed to pay $31.50. Mrs. Blendell served until 1834, being followed by Mrs. E. A. Hildreth, 1835 and 1836; Miss Louisa Corporal, 1837; Miss Bugbee, 1838; Miss Susan Wilde Hunt, 1839 to 1843; Miss Rose, 1844. Miss Rumrill served until 1837, being followed by Mrs. Louisa A. Egan, 1838; Miss Myra Hunt, 1839 and 1840; Miss S. C. Jones, 1841; Miss Susan J. M. Jones, 1841; Miss H. L. Shepard, 1843 and 1844. The only men mentioned in the same period, beside Mr. Chamberlain, were Mr. Levi W. Slack in 1830, John Bartlett in 1835, Samuel Ames, 1836, Samuel Guild, 1838. There were no choirs between the latter part of 1844 to 1848 with the exception of the chorister and organist, and the voluntary system of music was intro-
346
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
duced as then practiced in some of the Congregational churches. About this time the Committee recommended a large choir and a more efficient one, and it was hoped that some of the congregation who were competent would volun- teer their assistance. Since 1849 the choirs have been full, and among the names may be found many who in after years attained a high reputation as singers, the lists being as follows: -
1849
Organist . Adolph Baumbach.
Soprano . Mary Ann Forau.
Alto . .. Miss L. A. Crossman.
Tenor . . Isaac Chamberlain.
Bass .
. Loring B. Barnes.
1850 Adolph Baumbach.
Mary Ann Forau.
Miss L. A. Crossman.
Benjamin Butler.
Loring B. Barnes.
1851
Organist . Adolph Baumbach.
Soprano . Mrs. George B. Fowle.
Alto . . . Miss Sarah Cushing.
Tenor . . John H. Low.
Bass . David A. Granger.
1853
Organist . Adolph Baumbach.
Soprano . Mrs. George B. Fowle.
Alto . . . Miss Sarah Cushing.
Tenor . . John H. Low.
Bass . . Thomas A. Upham.
1855
Organist . Adolph Baumbach.
Soprano . Mrs. Ellen Fowle.
Alto . . . Miss Sarah Cushing.
Tenor . . John H. Low.
Bass . . Thomas A. Upham.
1857
Organist . Adolph Baumbach
Soprano . Mrs. Lizzie Hayward.
Alto . . . Mrs. Julia Meston.
Tenor . . John B. Thayer.
Bas . George Wright.
1852
Adolph Baumbach.
Mrs. George B. Fowle.
Miss Sarah Cushing.
John H. Low.
David A. Granger.
1854
Adolph Baumbach.
Mrs. George B. Fowle. Miss Sarah Cushing. John H. Low.
Thomas A. Upham.
1856 Adolph Baumbach. Mrs. Ellen Fowle.
Miss Sarah Cushing. John H. Low.
Thomas A. Upham.
1858 Adolph Baumbach. Mrs. Lizzie Hayward. Mrs. Julia Meston. John H. Low. George Wright.
347
MUSIC
1859
Organist . Adolph Baumbach.
Soprano . Mrs. Ellen Fowle.
Alto . . . Mrs. Julia Meston.
Tenor . John H. Low.
Bass .. Charles E. Pickett.
1860
Adolph Baumbach. Miss Addie Ryan. Mrs. Julia Meston.
John H. Low.
Charles E. Pickett.
1861
Organist . Adolph Baumbach.
Soprano . Miss Addie Ryan.
Alto . . . Mrs. Julia Meston.
Tenor . . John H. Low.
Bass . Charles E. Pickett.
1863
Organist . Henry W. Edes.
Soprano
.
-- - Cook.
Alto . . . Mrs. Julia Meston.
Tenor . John H. Low.
Bass
1865
Organist . Henry W. Edes.
Soprano . Mrs. Ellen Fowle.
Alto . . . Sarah Shattuck. Tenor . .
Bass
1867
Organist . Henshaw Smith.
Soprano . Miss Sarah Barton.
Alto . . . Miss Matilda Phillips.
Tenor . . William F. McDonald.
Bass. . . Henry C. Barnabee.
1869
Organist . Charles Smith.
Soprano . Miss Sarah Barton.
Alto . . . Mrs. Harriet L. Guilmette.
Tenor . . Edward Prescott.
Bass . . Dr. Charles A. Guilmette.
1862
Henry W. Edes.
Mrs. Julia Meston. John H. Low. Charles E. Pickett.
1864
Henry W. Edes. Cook. Mrs. Julia Meston.
1866
Henshaw Smith.
Miss Sarah Barton.
Miss Julia Barden. William F. McDonald.
Henry C. Barnabee.
1868
Frank F. Tingley. Miss Sarah Barton. Mrs. Harriet L. Guilmette. Edward Prescott. Dr. Charles A. Guilmette.
1870
Charles Smith. Miss Vera Cross. Miss Helen M. Mead. M. L. Ingalls. G. W. Dudley.
348
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
1871
1872
Organist . Charles Smith.
Soprano . Miss Vera Cross.
Alto . . . Miss Helen M. Mead.
Tenor . . M. L. Ingalls.
Bass
. . G. W. Dudley.
Miss Caroline E. Symonds.
Miss Vera Cross.
Miss A. Franklin.
M. L. Ingalls.
. G. W. Dudley.
1873
Organist . Miss Caroline E. Symonds.
Soprano . Miss Annie L. Harmon.
Alto . . . Miss Anna C. Holbrook.
Tenor . . M. L. Ingalls. .
Bass . . G. W. Dudley.
1875
Organist . Charles R. Ford.
Soprano . Mrs. George K. Hooper.
Alto . . . Miss Anna C. Holbrook.
Tenor . . John Henry Stickney.
Bass . . Dr. Charles W. Goddard.
1877
Organist . Charles R. Ford.
Soprano . Mrs. George K. Hooper.
Alto . . . Miss Emma Hathaway.
Tenor . . John Henry Stickney.
Bass . . David Marks Babcock.
1879
Organist . John A. Howard.
Soprano . Mrs. Marie Stone McDonald.
Alto . . . Mrs. Flora E. Barry.
Tenor . . W. H. Wadleigh.
Bass . David Marks Babcock.
1881
Organist . John A. Howard.
Soprano . Mrs. M. E. Gibson.
Alto . . . Mrs. Jennie B. Wadlcigli.
Tenor . . Samuel M. King.
Bass . . Frank H. Hathornc.
1874
Miss Caroline E. Symonds. Miss Annie L. Harmon.
Miss Anna C. Holbrook.
M. L. Ingalls.
G. W. Dudley.
1876
Charles R. Ford.
Mrs. George K. Hooper. .
Mrs. Frank Goodwin.
John Henry Stickney.
Dr. Charles W. Goddard.
1878
Charles R. Ford.
Lilian Norton.
Mrs. Flora E. Barry.
John Henry Stickney.
David Marks Babcock.
1880
John A. Howard. Miss Vinnie H. Maynard. Mrs. Jennie B. Wadleigh. W. H. Wadleigh.
David Marks Babcock.
1882
John A. Howard. Miss Etta J. Allen. Miss H. Idcl Miles. Samuel M. King. Walter A. Adams.
349
MUSIC
1883
Organist . Charles R. Ford.
Soprano . Mrs. Leonora Chamberlain Simmons.
Alto . . . Mrs. Agnes Giles Spring.
Tenor . . Samuel M. King.
Bass . G. L. Olney.
1884 Charles R. Ford. Miss Etta Kileski.
Mrs. Agnes Giles Spring.
Samuel M. King. Arthur W. Thayer.
1885
Organist . Charles R. Ford.
Soprano . Miss Etta Kileski.
Alto . . . Mrs. Agnes Giles Spring.
Tenor . . Samuel M. King.
Bass . Arthur W. Thayer.
1887
Organist . Frank O. Nash.
Soprano . Miss Maud Starkweather.
Alto . . . Mrs. Agnes Giles Spring.
Tenor
Samuel M. King.
Bass . . Arthur W. Thayer.
1889
Organist . Philip Hale.
Soprano . Miss Minnehaha Scoffield.
Alto . . . Miss Georgie M. Wiggins.
Tenor . . Thomas Carne.
Bass . . Walter H. Edgerly.
1891
Organist . Philip Hale.
Soprano . Helen M. Young.
Alto . . . Maud Wilson.
Tenor . . Thomas E. Johnson.
Bass . . Walter H. Edgerly.
1893
Organist . Philip Hale.
Soprano . Maud Williams.
Alto . . . Miss Edith MacGregor.
Tenor . . Thomas E. Johnson.
Bass . . Walter H. Edgerly.
1886
William Frese.
Miss Maud Starkweather.
Mrs. Agnes Giles Spring.
Samuel M. King.
Arthur W. Thayer.
1888 Frank O. Nash.
(Mrs. Lillian R. Hayman.
Miss Alice May Bates.
Mrs. Agnes Giles Spring.
Samuel M. King.
Arthur W. Thayer.
1890
Philip Hale. Mrs. Edlefson. Miss Whiting.
--- Merrill.
Walter H. Edgerly.
1892
Philip Hale. Mrs. Lilian Atkinson.
Mrs. Joseph W. Homer. Thomas E. Johnson. Walter H. Edgerly.
1894
Philip Hale. Miss Carolyn H. Parish. Miss Edith MacGregor. Robert T. Hall. Walter H. Edgerly.
350
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
1895
1896
Organist . Philip Hale.
Soprano . Miss Carolyn H. Parish.
Alto . . . Miss Edith MacGregor.
Tenor . . Robert T. Hall.
Bass
. Walter H. Edgerly.
Philip Hale. Miss Carolyn H. Parish. Mrs. Edith M. Woods.
Archie MacDonald.
Charles H. Bennett.
1897
Organist . Philip Hale.
Soprano . Miss Carolyn H. Parish.
Alto . . . Mrs. Edith M. Woods.
Tenor . . Frederick W. Bancroft.
Bass
.
. Charles H. Bennett.
1899
Organist . Philip Hale.
Soprano . Miss Gertrude Miller.
Alto . . . Mrs. Edith M. Woods.
Tenor .
Frederick W. Bancroft.
Bass . . Frederick E. Kendall.
1901
Organist . Philip Hale.
Soprano . Mrs. Blanche M. West.
Alto . . . Mrs. Edith M. Woods.
Tenor . . Louis E. Black.
Bass
. Frederick E. Kendall.
1903
Organist . Philip Hale.
Soprano . Miss Clara Sexton.
Alto . . . Mrs. Edith M. Woods.
Tenor . Louis E. Black.
Bass . . Frederick E. Kendall.
1898
Philip Hale. Miss Gertrude Miller.
Mrs. Edith M. Woods.
Frederick W. Bancroft.
Charles H. Bennett.
1900
Philip Hale. Miss Lottie M. Mackay.
Mrs. Edith M. Woods.
Louis E. Black.
Frederick E. Kendall.
1902
Philip Hale. Miss Clara Sexton.
Mrs. Edith M. Woods.
Louis E. Black.
Frederick E. Kendall.
1904
Philip Hale. Miss Lanra Van Kuran.
Miss Edith Castle.
Joseph Viau.
Frederick E. Kendall.
There is no record of any fixed choir or paid singers until 1827 chiefly because of the small amount appropriated each year for the use of the singers before 1822, which averaged up to that time about $100, while from April 16, 1822, to Jan. 1, 1827, $300 was appropriated each year to pay the organist and chorister. Between 1827 and 1835 there was no appro- priation voted by the Society. On Oet. 1, 1831, the under-
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MUSIC
signed members of the First Religious Society in Roxbury agreed to pay the sums set against their respective names, to the Committee of said Society, to defray the expense on an organist and other indispensable items for encouragement of the music generally.
Paid -
Paid -
Guy Carleton $ 5.00
Sam'l H. Hunneman $2.00
Sam J. Gardner
5.00
William Phipps.
5.00
John Lemist .
15.00
Eben Francis 15.00
Eben™ Crafts 15.00
Jno. Parker 15.00
S. C. Thwing 10.00
Charles Davis 10.00
Joseph Vila 5.00
David Dudley 5.00
Misses Davis 5.00
D. A. Simmons.
5.00
Thos. Simmons. 5.00
B. F. Copeland. 5.00
Thos. Brewer 5.00
John Lowell 15.00
Jonª Dorr
3.00
H. A. S. Dearborn 5.00
J. B. Fowle
5.00
A. D. Williams
5.00
Chas. Grant 5.00
Isaac Davis 5.00
William White 5.00
Abijah Meriam 5.00
Isaac Wyman.
1.00
S. Williams
3.00
Caroline L. Eustis
5.00
P. G. Robbins 5.00
Jos. Harrington 2.00
Nat. Dorr
2.00
E. G. Lemon 3.00
Lemuel Mills 1.00
Dea. John Clap
3.00
John J. Clarke
2.00
Wm Bacon
2.00
F. S. Eastman
2.00
Chas. Bullard
1.00
Wm H. Spear
3.00
Wm Fisk
3.00
Asa Bugbee
1.00
John Bartlett
5.00
Aaron Willard
1.00
Sam'l Guild
5.00
Mr. Wainwright
2.00
Joseph Callender 2.00
M. Durand 2.00
M. Ward 1.00
Nahum Ward
2.00
E. Taber 1.00
Jacob Allen 1.00
Nathan Smith
2.00
Jacob Marshall. 1.00
A. M. Withington 2.00
Stedman Williams 2.00
Wm Davis
5.00
N. D. Williams. 2.00
Willm Dorr
2.00
288.00
Enoch Bartlett 5.00
W. Gore. 5.00
D. A. Sigourney
2.00
Charles Hichling
3.00
Moses Whiting
2.00
Benj. Weld 2.00
Ozias Field 1.00
Ralph Crooker
2.00
--- Dyer 2.00
E. W. Bradley 2.00
352
THE FIFTH MEETING HOUSE
In 1834, Joseph W. Tucker advanced $93.33 for church music, otherwise the singers must have received no com- pensation for their services until 1836, when $450 was appro- priated for music, and from 1836 to 1850 between $400 and $500. In 1850 $750, and the amount was gradually in- creased until over $3000 was reached.
The first mention of a committee on music was at the annual meeting in 1835, when Joseph Harrington, chairman, Samuel J. Gardner and Charles P. Blaney were appointed a committee to take charge of church music or as the records have it "to see that Church Music is regularly performed in First R. Society, each Sabbath in the ensuing year. Said Committee to have the direction and Control of the same." From this it may be inferred that the music was very irregular and uncertain.
Their successors in office with dates of appointments were; Jan. 4, 1836. Doctor P. G. Robbins, Galen Bowditch, Joseph W. Tucker. Jan. 2, 1837. John Lemist, Dr. Henry Bartlett.
Jan. 1, 1838. Standing Committee and Joseph Harrington, John Lemist, Dr. Henry Bartlett.
May 7, 1849. F. C. Loring, S. P. Blake, J. W. Tucker, J. J. May, Ephraim Harrington.
Jan. 6, 1851. John Rogers, George W. Dodd, Charles Hickling, Joseph W. Tucker, John J. May.
Jan. 2, 1854. John Rogers, Charles Hickling, Joseph W. Tucker, John J. May, Almon D. Hodges.
Jan. 4, 1858. John Rogers, Joseph W. Tucker, John J. May, Almon D. Hodges, Henry W. Pickering.
Jan. 2, 1860. John Rogers, Joseph W. Tucker, John J. May, Henry W. Pickering.
Jan. 4, 1864. John Rogers, Joseph W. Tucker, Henry W. Pickering, Samucl C. Cobb, Lyman Hollingsworth.
Jan. 2, 1865. Samuel C. Cobb, Lyman Hollingsworth, Henry W. Pickering, Josiah Wheelwright.
Feb. 6, 1866. Theodore Otis, Charles J. Danforth, Franklin Greene, John Felt Osgood, William Crosby.
Jan. 7, 1868. Charles J. Danforth.
Jan. 5, 1874. Charles J. Danforth, Horatio Harris, Israel G. Whitney.
353
MUSIC
Jan. 4, 1875. Franklin S. Merritt.
Jan. 7, 1878. William A. Beattie.
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