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functory cant and a mechanical professionalism that devitalize the truth he utters, but with a deep, sincere feeling that will compel responsiveness, about the religious value of the work of the choir and the blessed opportunity given it to comfort and inspire its hearers. His own spiritual desires must have the sincerity and depth, that will give them contagious power with the choir director and organist with whom he confers and advises. If the choir is to be a spiritual force, the minister must see to it that the choir is genuinely spiritual, for in spiritual hydrostatics as well as in physical, the stream does not rise higher than its source. I hear many a minister repeat the laugh of Sarah over the idea of spiritualizing the choir; but not only must it be done if the choir is to be properly utilized, but it can be done, as has been often proved, if the pastor has the quickening faith of Abraham.

XIV

SUBSTITUTES FOR THE CHOIR

UT many ministers during the early years of their ministry occupy charges where the musical resources do not warrant the organization of a choir. What shall be done?

Even where a formal choir with its four parts well balanced, is not possible, musical conditions must be at a desperately low ebb, if other possibilities are not open to the aggressive minister determined to make his musical service the best possible. In many churches there is a large instrumental power lying about undeveloped and unapplied. In some congregations a very fair amateur orchestra could easily be organized which would add very much to the interest of special occasions. In others a string band of violins, mandolins, and guitars would interest persons who now feel that they are not wanted in church work. An extra reed organ or piano could be rented occasionally, not only for concerts, but for special Christmas, Easter, and other services, and four and eighthanded arrangements rendered with good effect.

There is a mine in the Sunday-school with its young people and children that is rarely or never worked. A young people's choir could be formed in almost any school, none of whose members would exceed the age of seventeen, who could easily be taught to sing simple songs in a way that would interest and help in the public service. A boys', a girls', or a children's choir, singing in

unison or in two parts, would certainly prove an attractive and inspiring feature for any service or meeting. There are very few schools in which there would be any difficulty in organizing these young singers, and in most cases they would be delighted to help. An experienced choir leader was told by a clergyman that he was thoroughly disgusted with the incompetent precentor whom he had, and asked whether there was anything that could be done with the resources at his command. There were not enough competent singers in the congregation to form an adult choir, but a canvass of the Sundayschool revealed an abundance of material. Twenty-five girls from eight to sixteen years of age were put in training and taught a large number of standard hymns and a few chants and anthems. When they made their appearance the congregation was greatly delighted with the results and the choir continued in service for many years.

Indeed this method may be effectively used even where there is a large adult choir. At the Chicago Avenue Church (Moody's former church) they have a great choir of one hundred and fifty to two hundred singers which makes splendid music, furnishing anthems of high grade. But in spite of this magnificent musical help, they have selected the best singers among the boys and girls of the Sunday-school and formed them into a children's choir that sings at least one number at every Sunday morning service. These fresh voices in the back gallery have remarkable charm, and the large congregations listen with breathless interest and delight.

In such a children's choir it is easy to create an esprit de corps that stimulates loyalty and regular attendance. In most churches this choir should be asked to sing at

only one service each Sunday. In some it may be wise to limit their use to a monthly service.

When no regular choir can be organized because the competent singers in the congregation have other prominent engagements or duties, or by reason of frail health are unable to sing in the choir regularly, these musical forces can be used in an occasional way and thus variety, freshness, and novelty are added to the musical service of the church. They may be organized into a quartet or other organization, and so be made to feel that they are part of the working forces of the church, even if they do not sing regularly.

There is no reason why a pastor should not occasionally import musical help from other congregations. There are frequently soloists or musical organizations of a secular character that would be very glad to supply music for a single service without charge. It will be entirely legitimate, it seems to me, to make a feature of such extra help, to announce it widely and create anticipatory interest among the people; but the preacher will be put upon his mettle to prevent the infection of the secular concert spirit under such circumstances.

In almost every congregation there are singers who receive little or no recognition. There may be some elderly gentleman who was once recognized as a great singer, but who has been neglected by the younger musical forces, because he does not belong to their day and generation. There may be some family in which there are brothers and sisters who could form a quartet that would be effective for occasional use. Here and there is some remarkable voice among the children that could be used for special solos. The children's organizations of the of the church, such as "Junior Band," or

"Gleaners' Band," or "Boys' Brigade," or some particularly musical class in the Sunday-school, may be used to add variety and zest to the public service.

Where no choir can be organized or sustained, the demands of the congregation are usually not very severe. Special Gospel songs by a little band of children or of adults will have the same value, comparatively speaking, as the more elaborate music in a church of large musical resources. It is fortunate that the congregation with the one talent of musical ability is as well satisfied and as responsive to its exercise as is the five talent congregation with its privileges. No preacher is justified in taking defeat for granted because his resources are less than those of his more fortunately placed brethren.

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