\ STUDIA IN /
Presented to THE LIBRARY
of
VICTORIA UNIVERSITY
Toronto
by
Dr. K.H. Cousland
The Passing of the Precentor
JOHN CAMPBELL
IN THE TOI.BOOTH CHURCH OF ST GILES, EDINBURGH
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
DUNCAN PHASER. F.E.I.S.
Ktar to fir Vnitrd Frtf Uhun'Ji Ventral Assembly
THK EMPTY DKSK, BOM'mN'S El
(Photographed specially for thif; brtttk l/t
EDINBURGH: PU^LI^HKI> AT JOHN KNOX'S HOUBK, ivY W. J. HAY
LONDON: SAMUEL BAGSTIK -i SSO^H LIMITED MCMTI
IN TUB TO!
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
DUNCAN FRASER, F.E.I.S.
Precentor to the United Free Church (General Assembly
THE EMPTY DESK, BOSTON'S KIRK, ST
(Photographed specially for this book by MrM'Larcn, Jim.)
EDINBURGH: PUBLISHED AT JOHN KNOX'S HOUSE, BY W. J. HAY
LONDON: SAMUEL BAGSTEK & SONS LIMITED MCMVI
3181 Fl
126
PREFACE
IN this little book the writer is well aware that he only touches the fringe of a subject which by-and-by may receive fuller treatment. His hope is that, meantime, it may help to keep alive the memory of the old method of " Uptaking the Psalme " until that time comes ; for, unless something regarding the Precentor is put on record speedily, both the man and his work will soon be forgotten by a generation that has not been distinguished for valuing either of them too highly.
The craftsman of the Middle Ages, whose conscience called for the highest artistic skill in the unseen work rele-
PREFACE
gated to dark nooks, as well as in the work exposed to the glare of the sun and the gaze of the multi tude, was not without his counterpart in the ranks of the precentorhood, who, with all their shortcomings and mannerisms, did right loyal work in the days when musical taste and sen timent were at their lowest, alike in pulpit and in pew.
The portraits embodied in this work form a somewhat unique gallery of musical celebrities, and the author tenders his warmest thanks to the friends who placed the original photo graphs at his disposal. To Mr J. M. B. Taylor, Curator of the Free Museum, Paisley, his thanks are also due for per mission to copy the portrait of R. A. Smith in that institution. vi
PREFACE
Some of the sketches in Part II. appeared in T*he Weekly Scotsman, and the writer acknowledges the courtesy of the proprietors of that journal in allowing their reproduction.
EDINBURGH,
1st December 1905.
VU
CONTENTS
PART I
OLDEN-TIME PRECENTING . . 3
Uptaking of the Psalm — Order of the Service — Reading the Line — Time of Decadence — A Revival — Scotland interested
PART II PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK . 29
R. A. Smith — John Templeton — John Wilson— David Kennedy— T. L. Hately — T. M. Hunter — Joseph Geoghegan, etc. — Types of Country Precentors
PART III LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF PRECENTING 87
The Desk — The Gown — Innovations — The Band — Personal Traits— Amateur Pre centors
PART IV CONCLUSION . . . . 1 1 1
The Power of Psalmody— The Old Order changeth
IX
THE frontispiece is reproduced from Kay's " Edinburgh Portraits," and depicts the well- known non-church-goers of the day listening, in the Tolbooth Church (portion of St Giles'), Edinburgh, to Dr Alexander Webster — the most evangelical preacher of the day. As the precentor, Kay selected for his model John Campbell of the Canongate Church, a notable teacher of music in the city. Campbell was a favourite pupil of the celebrated Tenducci, who, on leaving the city, had Campbell's portrait engraved and presented to his circle of patrons, thus establishing Campbell, without his know ledge, as his successor. He was for twenty- five years precentor in the Canongate Church, and Burns was a frequent guest at his table. It was through Campbell that Burns secured permission for the erection of the tombstone to Robert Fergusson the poet.
PORTRAITS
CAMPBELL, Precentor of the Canongate Church in St Giles' (after Kay)
Frontispiece
THE DESK, BOSTON'S CHURCH, ETTRICK
Vignette on Title
ROBERT ARCHIBALD SMITH . Facing Page 29
JOHN TEMPLETON ... ,, 36
JOHN WILSON ... ,,43
DAVID KENNEDY ... ,,48
THOMAS LEGERWOOD HATELY , ,, 52
THOMAS M. HUNTER . ,,54
DAVID STEPHEN ... » 57
WILLIAM M. MILLER . . „ 59
DAVID TAYLOR ... ,,63
LUDOVIC GRANT SANDISON . ,, 64
XI
PART I THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
The Passing of the Precentor
THE passing of the Scottish precentor, view it how we may, is not without an element of pathos : it affects one like the removal of an ancient landmark, or " the end of an auld sang," as was said of the Union of the Crowns. And such things appeal to the Scottish nature ; for, alongside of his sterner character istics, there has ever lain a vein of senti ment in the Scot, like the red thread that is spun into the thickest rope of the Royal Navy.
Before viewing the precentor under the lights and shadows which our ar- 3
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
rangement of the subject may cast upon him, it is necessary that we should first glance briefly at the office and the official as they are to be seen at the time of their first institution.
ORDER OF THE SERVICE
In the Presbyterian Church of Scot land at, and for many years after the Reformation, public worship was divided into two parts.
The first part consisted of Reading, Praise and Prayer ; and the end of each of these exercises was intimated by the ringing of the kirk bell.
It was not until after the third bell that the minister ascended the pulpit and the sermon began.
In Knox's " Directory of Public Worship " we can only find mention 4
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
made of two places where a psalm was to be sung ; but when we remember that singing occupied one third of the time given to the first part of the ser vice, it can easily be seen that music occupied an important place in the early Church worship.
The name given to the leader of the singing in public worship at this time was that of " Uptaker of the PsalmeT This office was conjoined in many in stances with that of the "Reader" and in others with that of the teacher of the "Sang Scule"1 — a very important institution in Scotland in those days.
From a record of the " Burgh of Canongate, Edinburgh," l5$4-> we
1 Sir Edward Henderson was the Master of the Sang Scule of Edinburgh at the time of the Reformation, hav ing been appointed in 1553 by the Town Council.
5
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
see how the offices were often con joined.
" The quhilk day the bailies and counsall has appointed and agreeit with Walter Broune to serve in the kirk in reading the prayers, Uptaking of the Psalmes, and serve as ane Clerk in the Sessioune."
In the " Second Book of Discipline," 1581, the "Takers up of Psalmes" are twice mentioned in the list of classes entitled to receive a share of the re venues of the Kirk. That this share was not burdensome can be gathered by reference to many Town Council or Kirk-Session Records. Thus :
Aberdeen Burgh, 1577. "The said day, the counsell grantid the sum of four pundis to the support of James Symsoune, doctour of their Sang Scuill
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
— to help to by him clothis, for his guid service the tyrn bygane, and in houp of his continuance in tym to
com/'
Or Glasgow Kirk -Session Records for 1604 :
"... He that taks up the line in the High Kirk to get 20 merks quarterly."
(A merk was 135. 4d. Scots, or i3^d. of the present day.)
Also from the same Records : —
" A sark and a bonnet, and after wards a coat, to be bought to him that carries up the line in the High Kirk."
Stirling, 1621. "The quhilk day the bretherin of the kirk, at desyir of the Magistrates and Councell, consentis to give David Murray, Musitioner, for uptaking of the psalme in the kirk and teaching of ane musick school in
7
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR this toun, xx merk yearly during his
service."
Extracts like the foregoing are to be met with in abundance in Dr Living ston's beautiful reprint of the 1635 Scottish Psalter, to which we would refer anyone interested in a far-off view of the monetary value of an " Uptaker of the Psalmes " in the early Church of the Reformation.
The first time that we find the term " Precentor " applied to the leader of psalmody in the Scottish Church is in a Minute of the Glasgow Kirk-Session of 1653, which says :
" To the precentor a quarter's salary of 26 pounds, 13 shillings, and four pence : and to a year's precenting in the outer kirk, 40 pounds."
As a pound Scots is of the value of
8
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
is. 8d. sterling at present, there was little chance of the precentor becoming purse-proud.
The ecclesiastical term " precentor " doubtless came from England. It is derived from two Latin words : prte, before ; cantor, a singer. The term " Clerk " seems to have made a raid across the Borders about the same time, and has been found in one or two in stances applied to the Uptaker of the Psalme. A more sonorous title, as in Dunfermline to this day, is that of " Master of Song."
As early as 1587 there is to be seen an entry in the Glasgow Kirk-Session Records which looks somewhat like the beginning of the Presbyterian Kirk " baand." Thus :
" Ordean Mr William Struthers, 9
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
Teacher of Music, shall sing in the High Kirk from the ringing of the first bell, to the minister's coming in ; and appoint four men to sit beside him, beneath the pulpit."
In the year following there is an other Minute :
" That the sangsters in toun sing with Mr William Struthers on Sunday."
These sangsters were assistants, or district teachers of music in connection with the Sang Scule.
There is a greater advance towards the development of the " band " to be seen in a Record of the Stirling Kirk- Session of 1621. An alteration of the pulpit and the Reader's lectern had been agreed to, and the Town Council direct those in charge of the work to see : —
" That they mak commodious seattis
IO
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
about the fit thereof, meit for the maister of the Sang Scule and his bairns to sit on, for the singing of the psalmes in the tyme of the holie ser vice of the Kirk."
In a Minute of the " General Kirk of Edinburgh" of 1574 we get a glimpse of one of those little family tiffs that sometimes arose between Kirk-Sessions and the Uptaker of the Psalme.
" The Kirk ordanis Edward Hender- soune and his sonne, to sing the psalmes on the preaching days in sic touns as are maist column (sic) for the Kirk/'
Later on we meet with another instance :
"Edinburgh, 1619. Mr Patrick
Henrisone, reader, being summoned,
compeered before the Hie Commission.
He was accused for absenting himself
ii
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
from his owne place on Christmas day, and placing another in his roume to tak up the psalme. An act was made that he should be deposed, if he did the like hereafter : — against which act he protested."
This Henrisone seems to have been an independent type of precentor, for a few years later we read of him being finally deposed because he would not use the Church Service-Book on its introduction.
From the foregoing extracts, as well as from other sources, we are warranted in believing that the Uptaker of the Psalme in the early Scots Kirk, whether he was " Maister of the Sang Scule," or " Lettergae," or simple " Sangster," or all combined, was a singularly com petent official, who did his work faith-
12
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
fully according to his knowledge and the requirements of the time.
Moreover, there is abundant evidence to show that psalmody was an import ant element in Scottish Church life until the time of the Westminster Assembly, when it, and the precentor too, got a serious check by the impor tation from England of the custom of
READING THE LINE.
It is an old story now of how the Scots longed for, and were willing to sacrifice much on behalf of a Universal Presbyterian Church. This attitude accounts for many of the transactions of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, which otherwise would be inexplicable. One of the enactments of this memor able Assembly runs as follows : — 13
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
" That for the present, where many of the congregation cannot read, it is convenient that the minister or some other fit person appointed by him and the other ruling officers do read the psalm, line by line, before the singing thereof."1
The Scots Commissioners resisted this proposal most strenuously, thinking it a reflection upon the intelligence and education of their people ; but eventu ally, for the sake of peace and uni formity, they acquiesced in the change.
The Scots custom of using doxologies, or, as they were called, " conclusions," had to be given up at the same time, although, again, the Scots Commis sioners strove hard to preserve their ancient custom, Calderwood saying : "I
1 Here we see the ludicrous effect of literal interpretation. 14
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
entreat that the doxologie be not laid aside, for I hope to sing it in Heaven."
But this was not all, for in this craze for uniformity the old versions of the psalms had to go also, their place being eventually filled by the version of Frances Rous.1
The Scots people were at first very bitterly opposed to these changes, viewing the introduction of the " read-
1 Baillie and several of the other Scottish Commis sioners to the Westminster Assembly of Divines in 1643 were strongly opposed to Rous's version of the Metrical Psalms, preferring Rowallane's and other Scottish poetical paraphrases to that of the English rhymster ; but their scruples were overcome, and in January 1654 the Scottish Committee of Estates ratified its amended form for use in public worship; while the English congregations, for whom it was really intended, neglected it, and even treated it with scorn in many instances. It is still treated with ridicule by many English people ; but it ought to be re membered that it was in deference to English wishes that the Scottish Church accepted this version, at the expense of more delightful native effusions.
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
ing of the line " with special aversion, as being not only unseemly, but an insult to their better education. Yet by-and- by, as interest in praise declined through apathy and neglect, arid by the degrad ing mannerisms that crept into the service, succeeding generations began to look upon the habit of " reading the line " as a good old custom peculiar to Scotland alone — a heritage to be dearly prized, and, if need be, to split churches rather than be given up !
There is no doubt that the changes to which we have referred, along with almost universal clerical apathy, did much to injure the musical part of Pres byterian worship in Scotland, and it took the better part of the following century to recover from the blow inflicted by these and other adverse influences.
16
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
TIME OF DECADENCE
The period between 1650 and 1750 is singularly void of anything worthy of note occurring in connection with the music of the Scottish churches. Our neighbours in England were enjoy ing the fruits of a succession of musical forces, culminating in Purcell, such as the world rarely sees. But internal dissensions, foreign invasion, episcopal intrusion, clerical apathy, and twenty- eight years of persecution, effectually prevented any attention being paid to this subject in music-loving Scotland.
We say music-loving Scotland, for at this time poetry and song were as popular as ever with the people. It was with them as it is in the natural world — you stem the course of one of our hill streams as it speeds to the
B I7
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
valley below, and lo ! shortly, there springs up upon your right hand and your left, from the verdant mountain side, pellucid fountains that will not be denied freedom to discharge their heaven-appointed mission !
So our people, denied an outlet for their musical sentiments in the Church, had to seek for it in secular song ; nor did they seek in vain, for it is remark able that when Church music in Scot land was at its lowest ebb, national song and lyric poetry were at full tide, com prising amongst its forces not only the prolific genius of Allan Ramsay, James Thomson, William Hamilton of Ban- gour, and Robert Fergusson, but such a flood of musical sentiment as that ex pressed by the minstrelsy of the Jacobite
movement.
18
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
A REVIVAL
Happily, there were potent influences at work which by-and-by led to a re vival of Church music all over Scotland. " The Musical Society of Edinburgh " had much to do with this change. Formed in 1728, for more than seventy years it took the lead in musical matters not only in Edinburgh, but in all the principal towns of Scotland. In the late Robert A. Marr's excellent book, " Music for the People," there is a most interesting account given of the work done by this Society ; and all who wish to see the high point to which musical taste and performance had at tained in Edinburgh early in the eigh teenth century will be highly gratified by a perusal of this work.
Another factor in the progressive
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
movement of this time may be ascribed to the genius of Handel, whose fame had early spread northward, and whose choral works, with their sacred themes, were making a deep and lasting impres sion upon the religious world.
As might have been expected, the Church could not but feel in time the stress of the musical forces which kept beating against her walls, and we begin to meet with evidence that she realised something must be done to bring her self more into line with the improved musical sentiment of the people.
" Cornforth Gilson, a chorister of Durham Cathedral, came to Edinburgh in 1756 as master of music in the city churches. The appointment arose out of an Act of the Town Council dated 26th November 1755, when it was re-
20
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
solved that, owing to the ' very indecent and offensive way in which Church music was performed,' a master well skilled both in the theory and practice of Church music should be immediately employed to teach in the city." The scheme was comprehensive, and aimed at giving everyone an opportunity of learning to read music. With this in view, several schools were opened and conducted by precentors or teachers com petent for the work, the whole being under the direction of Mr Gilson.
Glasgow was also moved by the rising sentiment, for we read in The Mercury of 22nd November 1756 the following notice : —
" By order of the Magistrates. To encourage and promote the improve ment of Church music, the Magistrates
21
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
have directed Mr Moor to open a free school in Hutcheson's Hospital, on Tuesday the 22nd inst., at seven o'clock in the evening, when the inhabitants of the city will be admitted and taught at the public charge, on their producing proper certificates of their character from the minister and elders of the parish where they reside."
Aberdeen and other towns also came under the influence of the revival ; and had the Church Courts been as anxious to bring about improved singing as the Civil Courts were, we might not have had so long to wait for better times.
Coming to the beginning of the nineteenth century, we find that there was a considerable increase of the musical societies of Scotland. The per formance of the choral works of Handel
23
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
and other composers by the Edinburgh Musical Society had made it necessary that professional singers from the Eng lish cathedrals, as well as from the Epis copal churches in Edinburgh, should be engaged in order to adequately render them. But a knowledge of music was now spreading amongst the wealthier classes of society, and the larger towns were feeling themselves less dependent upon Edinburgh and London for artistes to enable them to perform the works of the great masters.
The choral societies which sprang into existence at this time usually began with psalm tunes and simple anthems. The reason for this, doubtless, lay in their lacking confidence to try loftier flights ; but underneath it there was also the conviction that there was little 23
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
hope for success unless the clergy were propitiated. There is something almost pathetic in the kind of inarticulate cry for better Church praise which came from all who laid any claim to the pos session of musical taste at this time. For instance, in 1810 the "Edinburgh Church Music Society " was formed, the object being " the improvement in the principles and practice of vocal Church music." Then in 1 8 1 4 a public meeting was held in the City Chambers of Edinburgh, when it was resolved to establish the " Institution of Sacred Music." The objects were generally stated to be " the instruction of singers in Church music and oratorios, with the view of improving the musical ser vice in the various churches in the city."
24
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
SCOTLAND INTERESTED
This desire for improvement was not confined to Edinburgh alone : Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, and other towns, by Press and public meeting, were calling for the music of the Church to be brought more into line with the state of efficiency which the art had attained in general society.
But it was not until the spread of education brought music teaching to full tide that those changes in thought and feeling came about which eventu ally swept the precentor from the desk, and floated the organ into the church.
Yet before this happened many trans itions had to be passed through. Dr Mainzer's " Singing for the Million " had to become a reality of which his numerous followers were but as first-
THE PASSING OF THE PRECENTOR
fruits. Hullah's " fixed doh " system, or rather Whelim's system espoused by Hullah, had to be pushed, and eventu ally dropped. Curwen's easy, cheap, and true Tonic Sol-fa system had to spread over the land, and show the staff singer the beauty and simplicity of the " movable doh " ; — thus open ing up a new era, when " singing for the million " became not only a possi bility, but an accomplished fact.
A glorious consummation surely ; but before all this came about the precentor was faithfully doing good work, with meagre materials, and amid depressing surroundings.
PART II PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
ROBERT ARCHIBALD SMTTH
(/V0«/ a Print /« Paisley J/MJ*'*,*J>
ROBERT ARCHIBALD SMITH
(From a Print in Paisley Museum}
Precentors and their Work
WE fancy that nothing is better fitted to show the position music had attained in the Scottish Church than by simply describing some of the notable men who did valiant pioneer work during the first half of the nineteenth century.
ROBERT ARCHIBALD SMITH
To no one does the Scottish Church owe more — indeed, we might even put the statement stronger, and say that to no one does she owe so much — than to Ro bert Archibald Smith— "R. A. Smith" as he was familiarly called when his name
became a household word in Scotland. 29
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
Although the child of Scottish parents, Smith was born in 1780 in the town of Reading, Berkshire, whither his father had gone from Paisley, the trade of silk weaving, at which he worked, being dull in the latter place.
Smith's musical gifts early asserted themselves, and when very young he had taught himself to play on the flute and the violin. His ear was more than usually acute, and as a boy he accus tomed himself to note down every bit of melody that came into his memory. This habit served him well when in later years he was preparing his great work, " The Scottish Minstrel."
Smith's family returned to Paisley
in 1800 ; and here it was that young
" R. A." made the acquaintance of
Tannahill, the setting of whose song,
30
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
"Jessie, the Flow'r o' Dunblane," first made him known to the world as a musical composer. But we should have to traverse a wider field than pre- centing implies were we to speak of Smith's secular compositions. They are as varied as they are numerous, and beautiful withal.
Smith was appointed precentor in the Abbey Church of Paisley in 1807. Being somewhat shy and very sensitive, every appearance he made in "the desk " caused him more anxiety and perturbation than even his most in timate friends were aware of, and it was long before he could face his Sun day duties with comfort. Working away, however, with all his might, he soon got together a well-trained "band," which made the "soft" sing- si
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
ing of the Abbey Kirk famous all over the west of Scotland.
The work Smith was doing in Paisley soon reached the ear of Dr Andrew Thomson, the minister of St George's, Edinburgh, who was himself an excel lent musician, and, after permission had been given by the Town Council, the worthy Doctor and his session invited " R. A." to become their precentor.
To the metropolis, therefore, he came in 1823 ; and from that time a new era began in Church music. It would be impossible to speak too highly of Smith's varied gifts and his industry. Teaching music from morn till night, he yet found time to write sacred and secular music that might have taken the whole time of any man. In psalmody, the " Sacred Music for St George's 32
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
Church," which he wrote along with his minister, is an excellent book ; and such tunes as " Invocation " and " St George's, Edinburgh " will hold their own as long as the spirit of psalmody lives in the Presbyterian Church. But it was " Sacred Harmony for the Church of Scotland " that made Smith's name a household word all over the land. Many psalters have come and gone since " Sacred Har mony " first saw the light, but it still commands respect on account of its excellence as a high-class compendium of praise.
Then there were the " Congrega tional Anthems." These were the sheet-anchor of singing classes for more than half-a-century ; and happy indeed was the precentor and choir about the c 33
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
" sixties " when they could give a public concert at which they rendered "How beautiful upon the Mountains' or "The Earth is the Lord's," by R. A. Smith.
To the universal regret of his church and the community this talented pre centor and composer died in 1829, in the mid-time of his days and the full flood of his popularity and usefulness. Beautiful tributes were paid to him by Press and Church, and his name was long affectionately cherished by all who knew his worth. Paisley is proud of Smith, as, indeed, it is of all its eminent sons — and its claims are many — and has in its museum his violin and many of his manuscripts.
A few years after Smith's death a stranger was standing beside " Mons 34
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
Meg" in Edinburgh Castle, evidently delighted with the grand scene pre sented by the city and its sur roundings. A gentleman addressed him, remarking : " A splendid town, Edinburgh." On which the stranger looked at the speaker a moment, and said : " Oh, guid enough ; but, tell me this : What wad it be withoot Paisley ? "
" How so ? " said the first speaker.
" Weel, ye see, it's no that I'm a Paisley man mysel' ; but d'ye see the College ? Weel, Professor John Wilson's a Paisley man ! And d'ye see St George's Kirk? Weel, R. A. Smith was the precentor o't. And tell me this," he concluded triumphantly, " Whaur wad yer singin' hae been had he no' cum' f rae Paisley ? " 35
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
JOHN TEMPLETON
John Templeton, who became known to the world as one of the most famous vocalists of his time, began his musical career as precentor in a Secession church in Edinburgh, of which the minister was Dr Brown, the father of the author of " Rab and His Friends." Temple- ton's connection with the Seceders began in 1822, when he was just twenty years of age ; but in spite of his youth his voice was well set, and its beautiful tenor quality drew large numbers of strangers to the church to hear such precenting.
The psalm tunes of those days were not like those of the present, syllabic chorales, but were florid and melodic, and, as the older precentors used to say : " They gied your v'ice a chance." 36
JOHN TEMPLETON
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
JOHN TEMPLETON
John Templeton, who became known to the world as one of the most famous vocalists of his time, began his musical career as precentor in a Secession church in Edinburgh, of which the minister was Dr Brown, the father of the author of ct Rab and His Friends." Temple- ton's connection with the Seceders began in 1822, when he was just twenty years of age ; but in spite of his youth his voice was well set, and its beautiful tenor quality drew large numbers of strangers to the church to hear such precenting.
The psalm tunes of those days were not like those of the present, syllabic chorales, but were florid and melodic, and, as the older precentors used to say : "They gied your v'ice a chance." 36
JOHN TEMPLETON
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
Templeton made the most of his " chance," and soon was advised to make solo-singing his profession. There was much head -shaking amongst the worthy Seceders when their young pre centor resolved to go to London and study music with a view to operatic singing ; but study he did, making his first appearance on the stage in 1828. His career as the leading tenor in opera was brilliant, and his association with Malabran and other great artistes brought him fame and fortune.
But opera alone did not absorb his talent ; he also gave splendid ballad con certs and musical lectures. His beauti ful singing of Scottish songs was one of the most memorable features of his con certs ; and it is as a brilliant exponent of the songs of his native land that he 37
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
doubtless owes his medallion memorial at the south-west side of the Calton Hill, Edinburgh, beside those of Wilson and Kennedy.
Templeton retired from public life when little more than fifty years of age, and thus escaped the awful sense of waning power which so often makes the lives of eminent singers painful. He enjoyed the esteem of hosts of devoted friends, and died much re gretted, so recently as ist July 1886, in his eighty-fourth year.
Here are two precenting incidents in Templeton's life, which, so far as we know, have never been recorded.
It is told that, after he had become
famous as the finest tenor of the day,
he returned to Edinburgh for a short
holiday, and made a point of calling on
38
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
Dr Brown — his old minister, then in Broughton Place Church.
In the course of their conversation Dr Brown said : " Oh, John, I wish you would give us a day in the desk." Templeton at once cordially complied with the request, but stipulated that the arrangement should be kept quiet.
Whether it was owing to the birds of the air, or some equally unusual agency making the matter known, does not appear, but when Templeton entered the " desk " the church was crowded to the door. The service began by Dr Brown giving out a psalm, to which the famous singer took the grand double common metre tune called " St Matthew." Those who know this tune will recall that the first part is grand and inspiring, opening in C
39
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
Major. The second part is equally fine, modulating into A Minor. The last two lines return to the original key, and finish with a ring of triumph.
As Templeton soared through the varying modes with his beautiful voice, the congregational singing gradually fell off until, when the second stanza was reached, not a voice was heard from the pews, emotion, or something akin to it, bringing an impressive still ness over all.
When the prescribed number of verses had been sung, but before Templeton could shut the book, Dr Brown leaned over the pulpit, and in his kindly voice, touched with emotion, said : "Just go on, John ; just go on ! "
Yes ; when voice and tune and spirit
40
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
meet there is a magnetic power in psalmody ; and certainly there is no medium likely to call it forth quicker than the fine example of Church music which we have in Dr Croft's beautiful "St Matthew."
We wonder what "Jeems," the door keeper, thought of it all as he crooned one of his six psalm tunes in the lonely room at the top of a long stair in Loch- end Close that Sunday night ?
Once when Templeton and Malabran and several other eminent artistes were touring in Scotland the stage-coach broke down just as they neared Aber deen. There being no help at hand, and as the night was stormy, they were glad to avail themselves of the shelter of a farmhouse, which was kindly placed at their disposal. Treated most hospitably 41
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
by the farmer and his family, the storm- stayed singers found the evening pass pleasantly away.
When the hour for retiring to rest drew near, the farmer said they " wad tak' the Book." The foreign artistes did not at once understand, but Tem- pleton did.
" What psalm ? " he asked.
"Oh, we'd better tak' the lojrd."
So, having handed round books, the farmer began the psalm to the tune of " Coleshill." The family had most of the singing to themselves in the first verse, when suddenly the walls seemed to open, and such a burst of harmony filled the room as farmhouse never heard before nor since.
Next morning as the strangers were leaving they proffered some acknow- 42
JOHN WILSON
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
c: a^riew for the hospitality that had »ef?ft i.hown them,
* What,'* #*id the farmer, " gie u>fM'vf £v; a* ! 1 chnna ken wha ye
t\ I m Ur wrantf if weVe no*
ares."
JOHN WILSON
John Wilson, a famous precentor, but a still more famous artiste, was born at Edinburgh in 1800. Like many other singers, he began life as a printer, but while learning his trade rn: also worked hard at the study of music.
He earlv became a member of the
t,
choir of Duddingston Church, but soon after was appointed precentor of Rox burgh Place Relief Church. Here he won golden opinions for his fine sing ing, his voice being of remarkable
43
JOHN WILSON
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
ledgment for the hospitality that had been shown them.
" What," said the farmer, " gie money to us ! I dinna ken wha ye are, but I'm far wrang if we've no' been entertaining angels unawares."
JOHN WILSON
John Wilson, a famous precentor, but a still more famous artiste, was born at Edinburgh in 1800. Like many other singers, he began life as a printer, but while learning his trade he also worked hard at the study of music. He early became a member of the choir of Duddingston Church, but soon after was appointed precentor of Rox burgh Place Relief Church. Here he won golden opinions for his fine sing ing, his voice being of remarkable
43
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
compass, from B to B in Alt — two octaves of pure tenor quality. Wilson did not stay long with the Relief folk, for in 1825 we find him appointed to St Mary's Established Church, and also leaving his trade, and devoting himself wholly to the teaching of music.
While teaching others he still worked hard to improve himself, taking lessons in singing from the best teachers in Edinburgh and London, and studying harmony and counterpoint with eminent masters. It is little wonder that such an industrious and talented musician should have made his precenting famous, and have drawn large crowds to his church.
In January 1830 Wilson left St Mary's, having finally resolved to be come a public singer. In March of
44
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
the same year he made his first appear ance on the Edinburgh stage as Harry Bertram in Guy Mannering. This is an interesting event, not for the singer alone, but because Sir Walter Scott was present at this, the first performance of his dramatised novel.
Wilson appeared in London as chief tenor in many operas ; but he never forgot or neglected Scottish songs, and at concerts the late precentor delighted thousands by his tuneful rendering of his native melodies.
For several years the two Scottish lads, Templeton and Wilson, were princes of song of all kinds, but north of the Tweed their memories are cherished chiefly as unrivalled ex ponents of Scottish song.
When Queen Victoria visited Tay-
45
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
mouth Castle in 1842, Wilson had the honour of singing before her.1 Tours by concert companies were common at this time ; and Wilson's were famous, visiting all the chief towns in this country, and also those of America, not a very easy matter in those days.
When in Quebec in 1849 Wilson went angling one day, and got so soaked with rain that he took a chill, from which he never recovered, dying there in the month of July, in his forty-ninth year.
There must have been something very magnetic about Wilson's personal ity. We have more than once spoken
1 On this occasion, after Wilson had sung the songs chosen by the Queen from his list, Her Majesty said : " There is a song which is not on your list that I should like to hear. Can you sing * Wae's me for Prince Charlie ' ? " Wilson, fortunately, could sing it, and did so, much to the Queen's delight. 46
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
to some old friends about certain singers of Scottish songs, and have had our commendation cut short by the remark : " I've heard John Wilson ! "
In a London drawing-room a lady was singing a Scottish song very nicely indeed. At the close of the first verse an elderly gentleman was observed to leave the room, and was heard later on to frankly give as his excuse : " I've heard John Wilson sing that song ! " It is a pity that the old gentleman's hero wor ship made him forget his manners.
The late Sheriff Watson of Aberdeen remarked to the writer that he had asked Wilson how it was that his songs were always so fresh, although he must have sung many of them a hundred times. Wilson replied : " It is just because I have sung them a hundred times."
47
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
" Do you not know, sir," he continued, " we never enter a town where we are to give a concert at night but we have a full rehearsal of our pro gramme, although we may have given every item at a concert the night before."
A true artist was John Wilson, whether as precentor in a Relief kirk or as first tenor at Covent Garden — one who knew there was no royal road to success save the somewhat toilsome one of taking pains.
DAVID KENNEDY
Another notable precentor in Edin burgh was David Kennedy, the famous Scottish vocalist. Before coming to the metropolis he had been a precentor in his native city, Perth, where his 48
DAVID KENNEDY
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
" Do you not know, sir," he continued, tc we never enter a town where we are to give a concert at night but we have a full rehearsal of our pro gramme, although we may have given every item at a concert the night before."
A true artist was John Wilson, whether as precentor in n Relief kirk or as first tenor at Cogent Garden — one who knew there was no royal road to success save the somewhat toilsome one of taking pains.
DAVID KENNEDY
Another notable precentor in Edin burgh was David Kennedy, the famous Scottish vocalist. Before corning to the metropolis he had been a precentor in his native citv; Perth, where his
DAVID KENNEDY
( /•><>/// a fiJiatflgrapli hy W. Crooke, Edinburgh)
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
father and uncle had been precentors before him.
The church that secured his services was Nicolson Street United Presby terian, and for the five years that he held office his work was greatly appre ciated. It was at this time that he began teaching singing in schools and congregational classes. He also was conductor of the Tonic Sol-fa Choral Union.
His manner as a teacher was very genial ; he treated his classes much as he treated his audiences in later years. We know one person who will never forget how, when there was some doubt about his being admitted to a certain church class, owing to being " only a boy," he received an encourag ing pat on the shoulder from Kennedy,
D 49
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
with the cheery remark : " No, no, let him stay ; he's not a bit too young ; he'll maybe be a precentor yet — wha kens ! " A prophetic remark, as it turned out.
But precenting had to give way to the fascination of the auld Scots sangs, and the Scot at home and abroad got what the Church lost. We learn from Kennedy's memoirs, however, that " the improvement of the musical services of the Church was a matter he had always at heart," and that " on his long and arduous tours through Canada he would lead the psalmody in the two Presbyterian kirks on Sunday."
Kennedy's admiration for Templeton and Wilson, his two great predecessors as exponents of Scottish song, has al ways seemed to us a very beautiful 50
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
feature in his character, and his kind ness in restoring and making arrange ments for the upkeep of Wilson's tombstone in Quebec Churchyard is in the highest degree noble. David Kennedy died at Quebec in 1886, greatly mourned by Scotsmen in all parts of the world.
We confess that we have always been most impressed by the marvellous pluck and industry of Templeton, Wilson, and Kennedy, even while ad mitting and admiring their talent.
" The heights to which some men have reached
Were not attained by sudden flight ; But they, while their companions slept, Were toiling upward in the night."
THOMAS LEGERWOOD HATELY
was another notable printer-musician. 51
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
In early life he was a member of R. A. Smith's choir, and afterwards held the office of precentor in North Leith and St Mary's (Edinburgh) Es tablished churches.
At the Disruption in 1843 ^e ^c^ the Established Church, and led the singing at the first Free Church General Assembly — continuing to do so at each Assembly for twenty-three years.
He is distinguished for the com position of several popular Church tunes and as a successful teacher of congregational classes. He was held in high esteem by all who knew him. His death took place in I867.1
1 As Mr Walter Hately intends writing at length re garding his father's work it is unnecessary to expand these notes at present.
52
LEG ER WOOD II AT ELY
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
In early life he was a member of R. A. Smith's choir, and afterwards held the office of precentor in North Leith and St Mary's (Edinburgh) Es tablished churches.
At the Disruption in 1843 ne le& the Established Church, and led the singing at the first Free Church General Assembly --continuing to do so at each Assembly for twenty-three years.
He is distinguished for the com position of several popular Church tunes and as a successful teacher of congregational classes. He was held in high esteem by all who knew him. His death took place in 1867.'
1 As Mr Walter Hateiy intends wiling so. length re garding his father's work it is un&ecfssary to expand these notes at present.
T. LECJEKWOOI) HATELY
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
WALTER STRANG
was another famous precentor with a fine tenor voice. Besides being widely employed as a teacher of music, he held the post of leader of praise to Free St George's Church from 1848- 1885. He was also precentor to the Free Church General Assembly from 1867-1889.
Strang had the gift of melodious composition, but his many engagements restricted its exercise. Publicly and privately he was much esteemed.
JOSEPH GEOGHEGAN
Lecturer on Music at the Established Church Training College, Edinburgh, was a precentor whose duties merged into those of the choirmaster. His work and that of his colleague, Mr R. 53
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
S. Riddell, in Old Greyfriars Church, along with Dr Lee at the beginning of the Organ Crusade, marks an im portant epoch in Scottish Church music. Holding many important appointments in school and college as a music master, Geoghegan led a busy life, and was widely known and appreciated. His memory is kept green by a flourishing musical club, which bears his name.
THOMAS M. HUNTER
was one of the most notable precentors of his time. Striking in appearance, light of foot, it was almost impossible to meet him on the street without con cluding that he was no ordinary man. His school and private work might have proved too much for most men, but he got through it with ease, and to 54
T. M. HUNTER
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
S. Riddell, in Old Greyfriars Church, along with Dr Lee at the beginning of the Organ Crusade, marks an im portant epoch in Scottish Church music. Holding many important appointments in school and college as a music master, Geoghegan led a busy life, and was widely known and appreciated. His memory is kept green by a flourishing musical club, which bears his name
THOMAS M. HUNTER
was one of the most notable precentors of his time. Striking in appearance, light of foot, it was almost impossible to meet him on the street without con cluding that he was no ordinary man. His school and private work might have proved too much for most men, but he got through it with ease, and to
54
T. M. HUNTER
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
the end his fine tenor voice retained the quality and power that it had when first he appeared in the Music Hall as tenor soloist in Handel's oratorio of " Samson."
As precentor of Rose Street United Presbyterian Church, Edinburgh, he was very popular and painstaking, and the congregational singing long retained quite a distinctive character.
Pressure of engagements prevented Hunter, like many others in his profes sion, from fully exercising his talent for composition, although many of his school songs are popular.
J. CAMPBELL GRANT
was a well-known precentor and singing- master in Edinburgh. His first church was Lady Yester's Established ; and
55
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
thereafter, for twenty-five years, he led the singing in Lothian Road United Presbyterian Church. He was also a very good exponent of Scottish song, and lectured frequently on the subject.
It is impossible within the limits of the present work to do more than men tion the names of a few other precentors in the eastern district, who, with those already given, " have finished their
course "
Gleadhill, Kenward, Palmer, John and George Bishop, W. Templeton, Hutton, Hume, Ramage, Ebsworth, Darling, Heriot, Kerr, Cairns, Wilson of Dalkeith, and Ross of Kelso.
" Dundee's wild, warbling measures " have never lacked exponents in the 56
DAVID STEPHEN
DUNDEE
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
rown which bears that name ; and, without giving offence to the memory many worthy musicians, we may be allowed to single out the late
MR DAVID STEPHEN
as one of her most typical precentors.
Born in the year 1823, in the parish of Panbride, Forfarshire, and being possessed of a very fine tenor voice, Stephen at an early age was found lead ing the singing in one of the Carnoustie churches. Upon leaving the country he came to Dundee to settle. For a short time he was precentor to St Peter's Church, but soon transferred his ser vices to Free St Paul's Church, then just formed, where he continued to p re cent until his death in 1879.
In early life Stephen was in great
DAVID STEPHEN
DUN HER
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
town which bears that name ; and, without giving offence to the memory of many worthy musicians, we may be allowed to single out the late
MR DAVID STEPHEN
as one of her most typical precentors.
Born in the year 1823, in the parish of Panbride, Forfarshire, and being possessed of a very fine tenor voice, Stephen at an early age was found lead ing the singing in one of the Carnoustie churches. Upon leaving the country he came to Dundee to settle. For a short time he was precentor to St Peter's Church, but soon transferred his ser vices to Free St Paul's Church, then just formed, where he continued to pre- cent until his death in 1879.
In early life Stephen was in great 57
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
demand as a soloist at concerts, etc., but as music was not his sole profession his musical talents were latterly exer cised almost exclusively on behalf of Church work.
His congregational choir and musical association were noted for their excel lent training, and their work, along with that of their conductor, was an important factor in advancing congrega tional singing in Dundee.
In his excellent work, " Scottish Church Music," Mr James Love has some interesting remarks about several Scottish composers who were also pre centors. While it is obvious that we cannot present an anthology of all the famous tenants of the " desk " in Glasgow, yet we desire to record the names of a few familiar to the 5*
WILLIAM M. MILLER
GLASGOW
• h^rches who arc treated at greater icngth by Mr Lo¥* *~~-
James Allan ; itnposer of " St u; Doug&ll, composer of k: ** ; Robert Simpson, com poser of ** Balerma % "; Hugh Wilson, composer of " Martyrdom *' ; Henry Boyd ; William Brown ; Alexander Duncan ; John M'Lauchlan ; James Steven.
WILLIAM M. MILLER
William Mackie Miller, born 1831, was a distinguished teacher of music and a successful precentor. As an ardent exponent of the Tonic Sol-fa method, he took a leading place in Glasgow and the west of Scotland, and much, by classes and school song-
WILLIAM M. MILLER
GLASGOW
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
churches who are treated at greater length by Mr Love : —
James Merrylees ; James Allan ; William Broomfield, composer of " St Kilda " ; Neil Dougall, composer of " Kilmarnock " ; Robert Simpson, com poser of " Balerma " ; Hugh Wilson, composer of " Martyrdom " ; Henry Boyd ; William Brown ; Alexander Duncan ; John M'Lauchlan ; James Steven.
WILLIAM M. MILLER
William Mackie Miller, born 1831, was a distinguished teacher of music and a successful precentor. As an ardent exponent of the Tonic Sol-fa method, he took a leading place in Glasgow and the west of Scotland, and did much, by classes and school song- 59
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
books, to spread a knowledge of music in the community.
He also rendered invaluable service as a Music Superintendent of the Glasgow School Board. Miller gave up precenting on being appointed Musical Inspector for the Church of Scotland.
Few men led a busier life, and his death left a blank difficult to fill.
If the honoured veteran, William Carnie of Aberdeen, Editor of the " Northern Psalter," should give us his reminiscences of the famous precentors of the north, what an interesting book it would be ! Until that desirable piece of work is done, we venture to mention a few of Aberdeen's famous
precentors.
60
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
JOHN SIVEWRIGHT
was not only a notable precentor, but also a celebrated itinerant teacher of psalmody when the revival of the art took place in the latter half of the eighteenth century.
A local skit written more than one hundred years ago, regarding some of his doings, is still popular.
"In the year o' 1794, When Hielant John the hills came o'er, He taught them a' to gape and glower, And sing the tunes in Fordoun."
He does not seem to have been al ways successful, however, for one of his pupils came to grief one day, when —
" Up startit then the bricht Dunbar, Instead of better, he did waur, An' a' the singing he did mar, And lost the lines in Fordoun." 61
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
Of a different type was another of Aberdeen's famous precentors —
WILLIAM MAXWELL SHAW.
He was a pupil of Urbani, and a frequent performer at the concerts of the Musical Society of Edinburgh about the close of the eighteenth century. More, doubtless, would have been heard of Shaw had he not removed to America in 1805, where he died after a residence of only a few months.
Regarding his precenting, it has been said :
" His manner of singing the psalms was characterised by a fine simplicity, blended with sparing ornament ; and his taste was so much admired that the congregation accompanied him very
softly, that they might be able to hear 62
DAVID TAYLOR
(Front a photograph by James Ewing, Aberdeen)
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
his h^uiifuiiy round and manly voice, wh: h Appeared to riH the church without aav r.yertioo or disagreeable
In *.xi.:!m*>fi to the foregoing, we would present two typical examples of the nineteenth-century Aberdeen pre centor, from notes supplied by Mr William Litster, himself a popular teacher of music in that city.
MR DAVID TAYLOR
was precentor of Free Trinity Church for seventeen years (1857-1874). He was an enthusiastic musician and took a deep interest in the marvellous wave of musical progress that swept over the city during his term of office.
Although neither a professional musician, nor a teacher of classes for 63
DAVID TAYLOR
(From a photograph by Ja.-Mf± E-tuin
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
his beautifully round and manly voice, which appeared to fill the church without any exertion or disagreeable loudness."
In addition to the foregoing, we would present two typical examples of the nineteenth-century Aberdeen pre centor, from notes supplied by Mr William Litster, himself a popular teacher of music in that city.
MR DAVID TAYLOR
was precentor of Free Trinity Church for seventeen years (1857-1874). He was an enthusiastic musician and took a deep interest in the marvellous wave of musical progress that swept over the city during his term of office.
Although neither a professional musician, nor a teacher of classes for 63
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
the people, he made a high reputation for the manner in which he trained his own church choir.
Mr Litster, who succeeded him in 1874, speaks in the highest terms of his work.
MR LUDOVIC GRANT SANDISON
was leader of the old historical church of Greyfriars, which was taken down to make room for the University build ings. He held this office for twenty- eight years (1856-1884), and practically died at his post, being but a short time ill.
Besides Church work, he carried on numerous public classes, which did much to make music popular with the people. Indeed, " Sandison's Classes " were household words in Aberdeen 64
L. G. SANDISON
t a photograph ;>v A. Adams, Aberdeen)
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
the people, he made a high reputation for the manner in which he trained his own church choir.
Mr Litster, who succeeded him in 1874, speaks in the highest terms of his work.
MR LUDOVIC GRANT SANDISON
was leader of the old historical church of Greyfriars, which was taken down to make room for the University build ings. He held this office for twenty- eight years (1856-1884), and practically died at his post, being but a short time ill.
Besides Church work, he carried on numerous public classes, which did much to make music popular with the people. Indeed, s Sandisorf s Classes" were household words in Aberdeen 64
L. G. SANDISON
(From a photograph by A. Adams, Aberdeen)
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
about the "seventies." He was the kind of man whose personality and work commands respect, and we are not surprised to learn that the late Rev. John Curwen, of Tonic Sol-fa fame, held him in the highest esteem.
These have all joined " the choir invisible," but even the very mention of their names helps to show what a splendid race of capable men many of the old precentors were.
The Scottish organist has, in most instances, still got his spurs to win. We can only hope that as the years roll on, a race of native players will arise, as zealous and as capable in the new methods as the occupants of the desk and the leaders of the band were in the old.
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
THE COUNTRY PRECENTOR
So far, we have been drawing our types of precentors from the town, as it would require a larger canvas than we have allowed ourselves to portray all the men who in the north and west were equally helpful to the churches.
The rural precentor was unique ; but in many provincial towns there were precentors possessing good voices who filled the desk creditably, and who frequently found their way to large town churches, where a precentorship often carried with it the appointment to a good job in an office or a factory. Sometimes, both in county town and rural parish, precentors were difficult to get. In such cases certain failings 66
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
in a possible candidate were often winked at. It was like the case of the old Scottish lady of bygone days, who, when cautioned about a certain applicant for the position of cook in her house, exclaimed " Character ! What care I aboot her character ? Can she mak' collops ? "
So with church managers. It was often : " Never fash your head what he is. Can the lad sing ? "
In country districts many a good voice held forth and gave loyally of its best, receiving small encouragement in the form of fee from either heritors or people. When the schoolmaster could sing he often added the duties of the desk to his other offices, but often the minister had to lead the sing ing himself. Sometimes a yearly col- 67
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
lection, taken up in the ladle, was all the payment the precentor got ; and we have known many instances where men walked long distances to precent in cer tain churches for £3 a year, grudgingly doled out.
There is a district known to us where the precentor received a suit of clothes once a year instead of wages. The poor man was sorely distressed as the time for sending round the ladle drew near. When the fateful Sunday came, and the minister intimated that the collection would now be taken to provide John with a suit of clothes, poor John could stand it no longer, and shouted out : " I tell't ye I wadna hae it ! I teirt ye I wadna hae it ! " and rushed out of the desk, never to return.
Alwavs interested in matters pertain-
68
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
ing to Church praise, I have ever been in sympathy with the precentors who loyally served the cause in lonely places and amid cheerless surroundings. The following character sketches may in troduce some typical examples of the worthy men whom the writer has met in such circumstances ; and in speak ing of them the use of the personal pronoun may be pardoned.
A VILLAGE PRECENTOR
My first impression of what precent- ing really was came upon me in a village church which we attended when the summer vacation set the younger members of the family free from school. It was in those days of lang, lang syne, when skies seemed ever blue and birds seemed ever singing. 69
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
The worthy man who filled the " desk " held several offices, one of them being that of village postmaster ; but it was when leading the singing on Sunday that he appeared in his greatest office and in his fullest glory. The impression made on my mind then was that precenting must be a somewhat painful occupation. The strange contortions of knitted brow, twisted mouth, and staring eyeball could only arise from some such sensa tion ; whilst the sounds which accom panied these actions were suggestive of anything but calm enjoyment.
And yet he could unbend and be come wonderfully familiar with some chosen crony as they made their way homeward by the kirk loan. Johnnie Burton even reported to some of us at 70
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
the damside one day, that he had heard Mac tell the beadle that he was " in wonderfu' v'ice last Sunday." But this act of condescension was never fully proved; besides, Johnnie had the reputa tion of being given to "romance" a bit. The conduct of two or three boys in the sparsely filled back gallery was a sore trial to our friend of the desk, and I often passed the whole forenoon wondering what would happen if he were really to leave his seat and take them into custody. Visions of dark cells below the church, where such offenders were said to have been con fined, were often before me. So also they seemed to be with a pale-faced lad who sat in the minister's pew on Sundays, but who on week-days used to join us in the absorbing sport of 71
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
minnow-fishing in the dark, still pools of the Water of Leith. But this pale- faced boy was no ordinary visionary, and he is now known to the world as Robert Louis Stevenson.
It is needless to say that there is no desk in that village kirk now. Yet to some of us the place is all the poorer for the absence of Mac and his desk and the pale-faced boy in the minister's pew.
A YARROW PRECENTOR
The worthiest type of the good old country precentor I have ever met was M., the Cappercleuch schoolmaster. Far in the heart of Selkirkshire there lie the Yarrow kirks. For forty-two years M. trudged on Sunday from Capper cleuch to the kirk down Yarrow and 72
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
home again — a distance of fifteen miles — and few indeed were the days that found him absent. Precentors are very fond of — well, not praise, but approba tion. I remember being with Pro- sessor Blackie when he told M. — every word being accented by a thump of his famous big stick — " that people needed to come to the country to learn how the Psalms of David should be sung." M. lived upon these words for many days.
Our friend was an elder of the Free Church, and sometimes came as a re presentative to the General Assembly. The last time I saw him there was on a field-day at the Declaratory Act time. Near the Moderator's chair, on either hand, are seats usually given up to ex- moderators and other prominent
73
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
members. On this occasion, just in the middle of the second seat on the right, sat M., his homespun grey suit making him very conspicuous among so many black coats. But never man gave more attention to a debate, not a word was missed, and until the adjournment came he never moved. When I saw him in the autumn of that year, he said : " Of a' the seats in the house, yon's the one I like best, and I aye tak' it when I'm up."
Worthy man ! if service to the Church entitled a man to any par ticular seat, he deserved a front one. He now rests in St Mary's Kirkyard, by the lonesome loch he loved so well, and the district is all the poorer for his loss.
74
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
THE PRECENTOR OF BOSTON^ KIRK
In the neighbouring valley of Ettrick, a few miles to the south of Yarrow, is to be found the kirk of Thomas Boston, author of " The Fourfold State," " The Crook in the Lot," etc. Here for many years Andra M. filled the office of precentor. Twenty miles from the nearest railway station, it can easily be understood that he had few compeers, and no rival. The first time I heard Andra precent was when we were holidaying in the valley twenty years ago. Seldom have I heard a finer natural voice anywhere — high tenor, with a singular quality that thrilled the ear at once — perhaps the rich accents of the Borders making it act all the quicker.
Like most of us, Andra had his foibles, 75
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
one of them being a proneness to resent any participation in the praise by out siders. I usually managed to smuggle in an obligato tenor to the high treble of the " desk " ; but one day a friend was with me who assisted with a sort of " Methody " bass. This was more than Andra could stand, so the next tune was set " up to Kew," as my friend remarked, with the result that both of us were silenced.
If Andra's range of tunes had been at all in keeping with the range of his voice he would have been unrivalled ; but, unfortunately, he knew only seven or eight psalm tunes, and had no means of adding to his collection, for he could not read music, and could not trust his ear in psalmody, although in song sing ing he was the best in the parish. 76
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
Many a time the minister's wife got him to come to the Manse to practise a new tune, and after he seemed to have thoroughly mastered it a Sunday would be set for its introduction. On the morning of that day, however, Andra would invariably appear quite dowie and distraught, saying he " hadna slept a wink a' nicht," and he " didna think he wad try that new yin the day."
A few years ago we were again staying in Ettrick. The precentor had been long speaking about paying a visit to a son in Moffat " if he could get somebody to tak' the dask." It was suggested that on one particular Sunday I might be asked to do duty, and so relieve him. This I would only con sent to do with the distinct approval of Andra, and such a delicate matter re- 77
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
quired a good deal of diplomacy ; but eventually all was arranged.
On the Saturday afternoon previous to the Sunday in question we were angling up near the source of the Ettrick, in that beautiful glen where, as tradition has it, " Will o' Phahope saw the fairies." It was one of those autumn days that in a pastoral region intensify solitude. Sunlight filtered through a gauze-like atmosphere ; there were fitful puffs of wind that did not blow fifty yards ; insect life there was, without motion, but not without sound, for from populated reeds and grasses there arose a tremulous hum as from faint aeolian harps hidden at their roots ; while the wild bird's fitful cry and the distant waterfall's alternating sound, completed the slumbrous diapason. At 78
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such a time action is impertinent : you can only lie upon your back among the heather, and, with your eyes in the lift, see visions.
We were recalled to life by seeing a real figure crossing our line of sight, for far up the slopes of Bodesbeck Law a pedestrian seemed to be work ing his way towards the bridle-path that leads to the head of Ettrick. Who could he be whom Fate had destined to climb mountains on such a day ? We had begun to weave a nice little history for him of the Wandering Jew, Ancient Mariner, Rip van Winkle order, when a voice hailed us far up the heights : " Hey ! d'ye ca' that fishin' ? "
It was Andra ! Good man, the thought of an interloper in the desk 79
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
next day was too much for his loyal soul, so, despite the attractions of Moffat and the persuasions of his son, he was making for home by the short est cut in order to defend his post.
The following (Sunday) morning we were making our way leisurely up the kirk loan when we saw Andra standing at the Manse gate. He accosted us without a smile, as if his reception at the Manse that morning had been somewhat cool, and in answer to my " Good - morning, Andra," he simply extended his arm, saying : " There's the psaums."
"No, no, Andra," I replied; "we are all too glad to see you back again."
" Aweel," he said, still holding the list out to me, " there's only twa psaums and a paraphrase, and," he added doubt- So
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
fully, " ye — ye'll maybe manage to get through ! "
The auld kirk bell of Ettrick seemed suddenly to jangle out of tune as we slipped quietly to our pew in a thoroughly meek and chastened spirit.
The introduction of hymns was a sore trial to Andra ; but the present of a fine American organ by a native of Ettrick now exiled in London brought his reign to a close altogether. To-day the well-worn " dask " is empty, and Andra's grand voice is silent.
AN ISLAND PRECENTOR
It is a far cry from Ettrick to Unst, the most northern island of the Shetland archipelago. Some years ago we were on holiday there for two or three weeks, and had the pleasure
F 8l
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
and privilege of becoming acquainted with many of the people and all the ministers of the district. One Sunday evening we were sitting in the back pew of Hillside Free Church when the beadle came along the passage, and in a loud whisper told me that I was "wanted in the vastry." I said something about coming " at the close of the service " ; but the messenger was obdurate : " Ye're wanted the noo." There was nothing for it but just to follow "Jeems" down the church, under the eyes of the whole congrega tion, with as much dignity as one could summon to his aid on such short notice — and with the consciousness that a light-coloured Norfolk suit was not the most clerical attire even in Unst.
In the vestry I found the minister 82
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and two of the elders, also " Geordie," the precentor, who stood beaming upon the party, and clasping tightly to his closely buttoned pilot jacket a well- worn psalm-book. Without a moment's delay the minister began as follows : —
" I am sure it would give you life long gratification to be able to say that you had led the praise in the most northern church in the British dominions ; will you, therefore, sing for us to-night ? "
" But what will Geordie say ? " I ven tured to remark, turning to that worthy official as he beamed on all around.
" It is Geordie's strong desire that you should do so," was the reply.
" Ay, deed is V said our friend ; " for, ye see, I never get a day aff ava, an' never hear a strange v'ice." 83
PRECENTORS AND THEIR WORK
There was nothing for it but to comply, for what is the use of trying to explain that even a singing master sometimes needs a rest ?
At the close of the service we were all mutually pleased, for a slight novelty is welcome where routine is unbroken. Geordie was noble and generous throughout.
" Oh, you'll do as much for me some day," I said in answer to his thanks.
" An' that I wull ; the first time I'm in Scotland I'll gie ye a day ! "
I have been told that Geordie always means what he says, and keeps his word.
PART III
LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF PRECENTING
Lights and Shadows of Precenting
THE DESK AND THE GOWN
To many people, especially young people in Scotland, the precentor's pulpit-desk, or " dask " as it was called in country districts, is quite unknown. Even the minister's pulpit is rapidly being demolished, and an elevated plat form is taking its place.
The desk was very small and narrow, and clung like a limpet to the main pulpit ; a tall man often could not stand upright in it because of the minister's book-board projecting overhead. 87
LIGHTS AND SHADOWS
This often allowed of whispered communications between preacher and singer. Thus, when a bad cold was troubling the precentor, and he had to sit down before the somewhat long piece of the psalm that had been given out was done — "John, my man, hoo d'ye expect to sing through a' eternity when ye mak' sic a wark aboot singing a wheen extra verses o' a psalm?"
"James," said a worthy of the homely type to his precentor, who was strug gling amid the shoals and quicksands of a minor tune one Sunday morning, " James, what ails ye ? " " Oh, sir, A'm sair troubled wi' a wee bit kitlin' T ma throat this mornin'." " Kitlin, did ye say ? it sounds mair like a' auld full-grown cat."
LIGHTS AND SHADOWS
" Tammas, my man, the words that King Dauvid's askin' ye to sing say you are to ' shout loud for joyfulness/ but instead o' that ye're giein' us a screed o' the Lamentations o' Jeremiah."
The precentor often wore a gown, invariably an old one ; for the gown seldom belonged to the man, but only to his office, and the threadbare gar ment had to serve two or three genera tions of officials.
At the examination of candidates for the precentorship of a country church, the former officer gave a little variety to the proceedings by entering the vestry and demanding his " goun " from the committee. He strengthened his demand by saying that it was his
" faither's " — who really had been the
89
LIGHTS AND SHADOWS
precentor once — and that he had only got the loan of it.
The matter was not settled in our presence at the time, nor for many a day after, the Session's plea being that the gown had been given to the office, and not to the man. Eventually, how ever, they could not well answer the argument of the claimant : " When oor last minister left, did he no' tak' his goun wi' him ? " And so, to avoid the gossip of the parish, the gown was given up.
The primitive life in many districts of Scotland led to much freedom and plain ness of speech amongst all classes, and not least amongst minister and people. Thus — " I see I hae forgotten my ser mon ; and ye micht jist wrastle awa' 90
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wi' the 1 1 gth Psalm till I rin ower to the manse and see if I can find it."
There is something quaint in the following triple reproof —
" Tammas Scott, if ye're awake ye micht wauken the beadle, and tell him to wake up the precentor.''
" My freens," said a worthy minister in the north to his people, solemnly assembled to decide upon a new list of psalm tunes to be used on Sundays in church ; " my freens, you may fix on ony tune you like. E'en sing c Doun the burn, Davy, lad ' — and ' I will follow thee.' '
A liberal treatment, very different
from that expressed by the good old
woman in similar circumstances —
" Awa wi' your fal-de-rals ! IVe
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sung naething but the Psaums o' Dauvid to the tunes o' Dauvid a' my days, and I'm no gaun to change
noo."
INNOVATIONS
The making of mountains out of mole-hills is a process some people might patent. I remember seeing a precentor, who was a bit in advance of his time, appear in the desk with a pitch-pipe, and give the key-note by its aid. This pipe is an ingeniously contrived little brass tube, so regulated that it gives forth a sort of toy-trumpet sound when blown by the mouth. The amazement of the congregation was something to remember when the " twa-a-a-ng " of the pipe ran through the church, and the visible wrath of 92
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the venerable elders who sat in the Session seat boded ill for the tenant of the desk.
At the close of the service the rash innovator was handled tightly, and commanded to " blaw the thing again in oor kirk " at his peril.
The precentor I speak of was really a good singer, else it would have gone hard with him shortly after this, when he was seen to be taking his key-note from a tuning-fork with a sliding bar that rested at the place marked for each key.
" We'll hae Maggie Lauder next," said one incensed individual — a remark just about as relevant to the action as many an objection to a similar innova tion has been.
" Pitch " forks have always been
93
LIGHTS AND SHADOWS
stumbling - blocks to the unwary. " Tammas," said the Auld Kirk pre centor in a village in the south to the carrier who acted as messenger for the valley, " Tammas, I wish ye'd ca' at the ironmonger's when ye gang to the toun, and bring me a new pitch fork for Sunday."
The carrier duly took note of the commission, and the next Sunday, as the folk were gathering in the kirk- yard previous to the service, he was seen coming hastily up the loaning with a six-foot-shanked pitch-fork over his shoulder, and muttering something about " breakin' the Sawbath for this new-fangled nonsense ! "
That old woman must have been related to the carrier who, when first she saw a stranger in the desk use a
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LIGHTS AND SHADOWS
tuning-fork, exclaimed : " Ye villain, wud ye use cauld steel in oor kirk ! "
As we have already indicated, the " reading of the line " was a frequent cause of irritation to the more cultured in the congregation. Yet their irrita tion was nothing in comparison to that of those who objected to its discon tinuance.
John Wilson himself, when obliging a clerical friend with whom he was staying in Old Kilpatrick by taking the desk on the Sunday, brought down the displeasure of the orthodox upon his head by omitting to read the line.
At the close of the forenoon service he was accosted by one of the elders :
" Sir, are ye gaun up yonder in the afternoon ? "
" Yes ; I intend so." 95
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" Then, sir, ye maun read the line. Nane o' your Edinburgh tricks here ! "
More characteristic, if not more emphatic, was the old woman, of whom Dr Chalmers used to speak, who was opposed to the abolition of the reading of the line on Scriptural grounds.
Being asked to give chapter and verse, she at once replied : " What says Isaiah, Doctor ? — ' Line upon line, line upon line ; here a little, and there a little."
No one could enjoy this quaint exegesis more thoroughly than the wise and tolerant Dr Chalmers.
THE BAND
When the Edinburgh Musical Society
ventured to introduce some of the choral 96
LIGHTS AND SHADOWS
works of one " Mr Handel " into its programmes, the directors said that they would have " a proper band for the choruses." "Choir" or "Chorus" is the name given to such singers now adays ; but for the last hundred and fifty years the " band," with all sorts of accents upon the vowel, has been the familiar name for any united number of chorus or part-singers in Scotland. In provincial and rural churches the precentor reigned supreme, and bands were looked upon as amongst those mysterious and dangerous things that are supposed to lurk about big towns. Even the educated classes did not unanimously welcome the improve ment in psalmody effected by the " bands."
The Earl of Haddington was at the G 97
LIGHTS AND SHADOWS
Assembly Service in St Giles' on one occasion — St Giles' was the first church in Edinburgh where a choir was in troduced — and when the psalm was given out, and no voices sang it but those of the choir, he turned round angrily to a minister who was sitting behind, and said : " I came here to praise my Maker, and not to hear a concert."
Choirs, or " bands " as they were called, have certainly done splendid work for the churches without fee or reward, and it will lead to a serious state of affairs should the advent of the organ give church managers the impression that they can now afford to slight the band. When the " pas sing of the band " comes to be written
it will be found that, as in the desk, 98
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there has been many a humorous in cident within the choir seat. Mean time we shall keep to the precentor, simply lifting the choir veil a little in passing by, recalling the mysterious remark of a country choirmaster : " Oh ay, we've great satisfaction wi' oor band till it comes the time o' the spring bannets ! "
The reader may have leisure some day to ponder over the hidden mystery that underlies these words.
Just another word about the choir. We have heard the following incident quoted as a clever and faithful rebuke administered to his choir by a preacher when they had introduced a new tune into the services : — " The choir hav ing just sung to their own praise and glory, let us now sing to the 99
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praise and glory of God in the 65th Psalm." Which he forthwith led off to a familiar tune.
We fail to see where the point of the rebuke lies. To speak thus about voluntary workers where no on« could, or was at all likely to retort, was neither clever nor faithful ; on the contrary, we consider it splenetic and ungentlemanly.
The late Rev. Dr Charles J. Brown was wont to say, in a very different spirit from that of the fore going divine : " Yes, the old tunes are good, very good ; but — they are not inspired to the exclusion of other Psalters."
Sympathy and a keen sense of humour often save the situation in church as in other matters.
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The late Rev. William Jamieson, when minister of the Tron Church, Edinburgh, used to tell that in his first charge in Fife he found the singing very bad. Still, he did not despair ; and by attending the practices, and even helping the precentor to get some training in voice production and the theory of music, he had the satisfaction of having the Church praise greatly improved.
Those who remember Mr Jamieson don't require to be told that he was a most attractive and eloquent preacher. One beautiful day in summer his church was crowded to the door by a most attentive audience, which cer tainly was a gratifying sight in view of what had been the case previously.
Expressing to his precentor at the
IOI
LIGHTS AND SHADOWS
close of the service his satisfaction at having had such a large congregation, the latter modestly remarked : " Aweel, ye see, sir, it's nae wonder, for folk a' ken guid singing when they hear't ! "
Another very characteristic story comes from the south, regarding a pre centor who really was a very good singer. After morning service one Sunday, the minister being pleased with himself as well as with the singing, said to the precentor : "John, that singing was really very good. How was it that you attained such proficiency ? "
" Weel, sir/' said John, taking the compliment quite seriously, " as we are speakin' confidential - like atween oorsels, I may tell ye that it took me the best pairt o' twenty years before I reached perfection ! "
IO2
LIGHTS AND SHADOWS
Of a different type was the precentor of an earlier day who, being rather weak on the Roman numerals, glanced at the 43rd Psalm first one way and then another, and finally made the inti mation : " We are to begin the service by singing the X and the L and the three e'ed Psalm."
The danger of seeking for compli ments is aptly shown by a conversation between a worthy minister of a pro vincial town in the south of Scotland and a stranger whom he met in the kirk loan just after service one Sunday.
" Good-morning ; I think I have had the pleasure of seeing you twice or thrice in our church lately."
" Quite right, sir, quite right."
" You are a stranger ? "
"Ay; I live five miles frae the town." 103
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" Indeed ; then I trust your visit is to your edification."
" You're richt, sir ; your richt. Div ye ken, your baand is the best i' the county, and I wad stand ony kind o' preachin' just to hear your singing."
AMATEUR PRECENTORS
For some years after the Disruption many of the Free churches had the praise led by amateur precentors. This brought about some amusing impres sions and misapprehensions. For ex ample, we know of one instance where the precentor for the time being was an eminent legal gentleman in the city of Edinburgh. An acquaintance of his of equal social position had left the country several years previous to this. On his return he was speaking 104
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of the changes that had taken place during the interval. " For instance," said he, "when I left town A. H. was an eminent Writer to the Signet, and now he is a precentor in New North Church ! "
There were some good amateur pre centors and some woefully bad ones, although, as an old lady was heard to remark of one of the latter class ; " He worked gey hard, puir man, for a* he got."
The amateur precentor, like the genuine article, was exposed to the comments and criticisms of "gentle and semple," without much regard being paid to his feelings. But he had his compensation in the admiration with which he was viewed by his im mediate friends.
I05
LIGHTS AND SHADOWS
" Can you tell me, sir, who is to preach to-day ? " asked a stranger of a man standing at a church door in Edinburgh.
" Preach, did ye say ? I dinna ken wha's to preach ; but my son's to pre- cent. Gang in, sir, gang in ! "
Perhaps the most striking trio of amateurs ever brought before the public was that suggested by Dr M'Knight, who was clerk to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland more than a century ago. The business before the House was the appointment of a committee to improve the psalmody of the Church, when the worthy clerk, who was wont to enliven a dull seder- unt by a joke, solemnly suggested the addition of the following names to those already proposed : — " Mr Singer 1 06
LIGHTS AND SHADOWS
of Humbie, Mr Sangster of Fala, and Mr Pyper of Pencaitland."
Quite recently there died a notable Border town worthy who in his young days became a member of the Free Church at the Disruption. He occu pied the " desk " for a number of years, but by-and-by did not please the con gregation. His services were gratuitous, and it was a delicate matter to dislodge him. As the minister remarked : " It's an unco maitter to fash wi' them that tak' pairt in the services o' the Sanc tuary." Several suggestions were made, and at last the idea was hit upon that, by giving him a small but inappro priate present, he might take the hint that his services were no longer desired. A soiree was arranged, and the presen tation of a silver snuff-box was made 107
LIGHTS AND SHADOWS
to him, when in reply, greatly to the annoyance and discomfiture of his enemies, he expressed his delight at this signal proof of their appreciation of his singing, adding : " As I've done so well in the past I hope to give greater satisfaction in time to come."
108
PART IV CONCLUSION
Conclusion
THE POWER OF PSALMODY
IT is impossible to properly appreciate or even to understand the tenacity with which the Scots cling to simple psal mody unless we remember that, by long pondering over " The Book," their thoughts unconsciously find expression in the language of Scripture, which has enriched and made picturesque their vernacular ; and, further, that to all classes amongst them many of the psalms are veritable tide -marks of national or personal experience.
The Reformation watchword in the 46th ; the Covenanter's hope in the
CONCLUSION
76th ; the victor's shout in the i 24th ; the contrition of the 5ist; and the child-like faith of the 23rd, have en deared these psalms to every Scottish heart.
Yes ; the precentor passeth ; but that the psalms may never pass from the churches should be the fervent wish of every lover of our land.
Burns, who knew well what was dearest to us, and who knew music a great deal better than is commonly supposed, has left not only a beautiful, but what we are assured is a true picture of the habits of the cottar of his day :
They chant their artless notes in simple guise ;
They tune their hearts, by far the noblest aim. Perhaps "Dundee's" wild warbling measures rise,
Or plaintive " Martyrs," worthy of the name,
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CONCLUSION
Or noble " Elgin" beets the heavenward flame, The sweetest far of Scotia's holy lays :
Compared with these, Italian trills are tame : The tickl'd ears no heartfelt raptures raise ;
Nae unison hae they with our Creator's praise.
THE OLD ORDER CHANGETH
After many storms in the social as well as in the ecclesiastical world, for weal or woe the organ is now securely anchored in the Scottish Church. A new medium has been introduced to our service, but care must be taken that the instrument does not supplant, but simply aids, the human voice.
In spite of our admiration for Dr Andrew Carnegie's munificence, we sometimes wish he had inquired more carefully as to the adequate capacity of the building for the handsome organ presented, and whether the people H 113
CONCLUSION
were able to maintain it in proper condition, and have it properly played after they got it.
Congregations in too many instances have literally found that " their reach was farther than their grasp," and, by a spirit of ostentation and rivalry, have lost the benefit of a medium which by judicious forethought might have proved a real aid to devotion.
An instrument fit for a cathedral placed in a small church is a violation of the laws both of taste and of acoustics. Church praise, after all, is a spiritual act ; and where its acces sories offend the aesthetic sense, so far is it weakened, and its devotional in fluence vitiated.
But, so far as our theme is concerned, the whole matter may be summed up in 114
CONCLUSION
a sentence : " The old order changeth, giving place to the new " ; and, save in a few country places, the Scottish precentor as we and our fathers knew him is gone for ever.
It may be said : Surely not gone for ever when one thinks of the people who, for various reasons, have recently left organ-using churches. Well, re crudescence is not renascence, and the younger generation, even in the far north, have long since, in school and elsewhere, come under the spell of the musical forward movement, so that the precentor is no longer to them the official he was to their fathers.
True, he is still heard in the highest
of our Church courts, and strangers
from distant lands greet him as one of
the few things distinctively Scottish —
"5
CONCLUSION
as they understood it — that yet remain in our midst. But he is passing there too, and in a short time his chair will be vacant, and men will look in vain for any vestige of his office.
So time speeds on, and forms and forces which seemed likely to last as long as our nation cherished its tradi tions, are discarded and neglected ; and even while we marvel they are " a* wede away."
THE RIVERSIDE PRESS UMITED, EDINBURGH,
/i>