OUR CHOIR Past and Present (1947)

In order to make a. beginning as I first remember our choir, it will be necessary to go back over a period of half a century to the time when the choir sat in the centre pews in the gallery of the Presbyterian Church. In those days there was no organ, the singing was led by the late Mr. John Johnstone.

Possessed with a real good voice and an ardent lover of music, Mr. Johnstone made a capable “Presenter”.

At first the choir was composed entiredly of male voices, and for the most part, did not number beyond seven or eight; only two parts were sung — Soprano and Bass. This choir led the congregation in the service of song for many years. As time went on several lady singers were induced to assist, but they were not enthusiastic over the idea of singing in the choir loft.

At this period a rather amusing incident occurred at a Sunday evening service on the occasion of the first solo that was sung in this church. Miss Carrie Clay of Summerside was the teacher in Long River at this time and being a good soloist, she was invited to sing. The hymn she sang was “Jesus Lover of My Soul”. There was no organ in the church at the time, and while singing she stood near the pulpit, quite near the pew of the late Wm. Johnstone; when she began to sing Mr. Johnstone stood up and assisted her throughout the singing of the hymn. When questioned by some of the members of his family after returning home, his reply was that he felt sorry for the poor girl singing alone and considered it his duty to help her.”

About this time organs were being introduced into country churches and members of the choir talked the matter over privately with a View to having an organ installed in the church.

The annual congregational meetings were held in the month of Dec. In some congregations there was strong opposition by the older members of having an organ in the church — considering it was sacri- legious; however the matter was brought up in Dec. 1901, vote taken, unanimous in favor of an organ. George Cousins and C. S. MacKay were appointed to purchase a Bell Organ that would cost in the neighbourhood

of $100.00.

The congregation was canvassed and in a comparatively short time the full amount was subscribed.

Mr. Chas. Yeo agent in Summerside did not have one on hand, so sent an order to the factory in Guelph, Ont. Ln the three weeks the

organ arrived in Kensington.

Cousins and MacKay brought it down and placed it in the church on the main floor in front of the pulpit. On a Sunday morning early in

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