Jan. 1902, the choir first sang with the aid of an instrument. This choir comprized of about twelve members singing the four parts with Miss Stella Campbell as organist. Friday evenings were set as practice night.

As members of the choir belonged to Long River, Park Corner and French River respectively, a system was arranged whereby an alternate practice was held at each place. The singing of a voluntary selection during the taking of the offering was introduced. The first book used for this purpose was “The Finest of the Wheat”.

Believing that the choir could render better service by being on an elevation, the members had a platform erected directly in front of the pulpit with accommodation for about fifteen members.

After several years of faithful service as organist Miss Camp- bell left the Province. Mrs. D. M. Johnstone was chosen and held the position for many years. “Mrs. Dan” as she was familiarly known was a capable organist. These were the “horse and buggy” days, but weekly practice was not overlooked. No excuse except sickness was taken by the organist for not being in your place.

One man in particular remarked in half fun and whole earnest that when the choir began to sing an anthem, he always reached for his hat; fearing that the music would become so wild he would be compelled to retire.

We wish to state here that this choir worked harmoniously to- gether for many years in a common cause for the good of the church in the service of praise, through social intercourse and a fine fellow- ship there was established a deep and abiding friendship that remained with them throughout the years.

To the credit of the late Mrs. Johnstone, it must be said that she possessed a rare gift of leadership. She trained members of the choir in singing solos, duets and quartets. The first male quartets being Messrs. Murdock MacLeod, Chas. MacKay, Robert MacLeod and Dan Johnstone first sang “The Wayside Cross”. But no choir is so good but that there is room for improvement.

Excerpts written by the late Chas. S. MacKay. Choir gowns for the United Church were purchased in 1966.

RURAL BEAUTIFICATION The first Rural Beautification Society in Canada was organized by Col. E. W. Johnstone of Burlington in 1946 with E. D. Reid Secy. Treas.

William Reid, Murray Creed and Walter Beers were the first judges.

In twenty years the Society have given out over $100,000.00 in prizes and trophies.

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