CHAPTER XXVI

MUSIC, ORGANS, CHOIRS, ETC.

"***and David and all the house of Israel played before the Lord, on all manner of instruments, even on harps and on psalteries and timbrels and cornets and cymbals***"

Since Man was, the rythm and melody of music has been used to express his emotions and exalt his spiritual life. Whether rejoicing at the marriage feast, mourning at the death of loved ones, the quickening of courage as drum and fife sound time for marching feet, or in the hours of peace after the battle, music remains the language of the heart and oft-times speaks more powerfully than words. In the exercises of religion also music has been an integral part of worship throughout history conveying comfort and courage, strength and hope, harmony and peace.

But the forefathers were strict in their theology and equally cautious as to music in the Church service. Witness the Minutes of the Presbytery of Ohio, recording a meeting held June 26, 1805, at Pigeon Creek, Penna.

"The Presbytery taking into consideration the danger that may arise to the Church from the indiscriminate use of hymns and spiritual songs, gave it as their opinion that no other psalms or hymns ought to be used in worship either in congregations, societies, or families, except those which have been examined, approved, and recommended by the General Assembly,.viz., Rouse's Version of the Psalms of David, Watt's Psalms as amended, together with his hymns, and a collection of hymns by Dr. Dwight."

Moreover, few books were available to the pioneer Congregations even in this limited choice and so inevitably the custom of "lining out" the psalms and hymns was common if not practically universal. That is, a leader with a good voice, called a Precentor and usually formally elected by the Congregation, after setting the key by use of a tuning fork, would intone or chant the first line or sometimes the first two lines; whereupon the Congregation gathered out doors at a "Tent" or in rough log Meeting House, would repeat the chant, and so to the end of many verses perhaps, until the message of the psalm or hymn was completed "in song and story". So specific was this part of the service regarded that, on authority of Dr. E. B. Welsh, noted Presbyterian historian, congregations on occasion. actually divided on the question of whether one or two lines at a time should be "lined out"!

There is a fragmentary record that one, John Alexander, was Clerk or Precentor for some time prior to the beginnitg of Rev. Benj. Mitchell's pastorate. When Mr. M i t c h e l l preached his first sermon in Mt. Pleasant in June, 1829, it is noted that "The Elders were Mr. James Eagleson, Colonel McCune, and Adam Dunlap. Clerk or Precentor, John Alexander." While without absolute proof we believe this first mentioned Precentor was the same John Alexander who, with Jacob Zoll, was elected a Ruling Elder in the Short Creek Congregation in 1829. Following reference to John Alexander, Precentor, the fragmentary record goes on to say "Soon after there were four other Precenters elected, Amos Jones and Joseph Kithcart who sang soprano, and Archibald Major and Cunningham Kithcart who sang bass."

In any event, on the fateful June day in 1829, when Mr. Mitchell preached in the Old Seceder Meeting House for the first time before the Short Creek Congregation, the record is clear that Joseph Kithcart "led the singing", and what is equally if not more important, all concerned kept within the dictum of the General Assembly for only Watt's Hymns were used.

Since the first organ in the Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church was placed in use in 1867, (one record says purchased in 1869 at a cost of $273,00) we must infer that in the 38 years from 1829 to 1867, the old-time Precentor held sway although it is hard to think that in all that period no improvement took place in the original "lining out" procedure; and still more difficult to assume that only Rouse's Version or Watt's Hymns were used l Most interesting would be the story of the gradual evolution of the attitude of the General Assembly in respect to worship singing and the use of instrumental music in Presbyterian churches.

Apparently this "very small" organ installed in 1867, served the purpose until 1883. Because marking another epoch in the service of music in this Church we quote in full from a diary record kept by Miss Lafie C. Raid.

"May 11, 1883. A new and beautiful Mason and Hamlin organ arrived and was placed in the Church. It was used for the first (time) Sabbath, May 13. A special service was held at which we learned more about this organ. It is a gift to the Church from persons who in former years were in some way connected with the Church. It may be called the 'Dr. Mitchell Memorial Organ', as the gifts were given in kindly remembrance of his ministry. The idea originated in the mind of Miss Emma Bracken and through her earnest endeavor the idea was carried out. The names of the donors are: Miss Emma Bracken, Wellsburg, W. Va., Mrs. Dr. H. T. (Clara Bracken) Cleaver, Keokuk, Iowa; G. T. Fogle, Alliance, Ohio; Charles Sharon, Carrolton, Ills., William Vermillion, Smithfield, O.; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. R. Cope, Wellsburg, W. Va.; Mrs. George (Effie Mitchell) McCleary, Wellsburg, W. Va.; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Maxwell, Columbus, Ohio; Mrs. Sarah (Sharon) Fogle, Alliance, Ohio; Adam R. Hope, Portland, Ohio; Mrs. Lou Kithcart Page, Parkersburg, W. Va.; Mrs. Mattie Sharon McDonald, Woodlawn, Penna, Mrs. Rebecca Kithcart Dickey, Allegheny, Penna, Mrs. G. W. (Bracken) Mitchell, Martins Ferry, Ohio.

A vote of thanks was taken for all these donors and especially to Miss Emma Bracken who, with with George McCleary, were present at this meeting. The Misses Julia Humphreville and Alma Reid were appointed to write thanks to all these persons on behalf of the Congregation.

In the afternoon of the same day, Miss Alma Reid who for years has been organist of the Church, received a gift of ten volumes of Chambers Encyclopedia as a token of appreciation of her faithfulness by the Congregation.

The first piece played (by request) after the organ was received was "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow". This organ cost $140.00, plus freight, $2.00."

At a Congregational Meeting held March 24, 1910, a motion "to buy a new organ" was lost.

At a Congregational Meeting held March 20, 1911, the Trustees were authorized "to sell the old organ to best advantage." (The presumption is that a new organ was then acquired.)

From April, 1922, to February, 1937, a period of fifteen years, the type of organ used had to be pumped by hand. This is established by Trustee records showing payment at a standard rate of $1.00 per month for "pumping the organ". Donavon Bashore appears as the first of these "organ boys", succeeded by David farbourt, and later by William Denger. Thereafter, no further names are mentioned for which reason we do not doubt that many lads have been forever doomed to obscurity by incomplete records. This pumping operation was in plain sight of the Congregation and quite as conspicuous as the music itself altho in time the procedure became commonplace.

Following the fire of March 3, 1937, the Church was rebuilt and the new building was dedicated on Sunday, May 29, 1938. Among many other special gifts at this time, was a two-manual and pedal reed organ made by the Estey Organ Company, Brattleboro, Vermont, purchased through the Bashore Music Store, Mt. Pleasant, by Miss Lafie C. Reid, San Diego, Calif., in memory of her sister, Mary Alma Reid who "was the organist of this Church for twenty-one years". This organ was dedicated in a special service, Sunday, July 10, 1938, during the pastorate of Rev. William A. Martin.

The record is quite incomplete as to all the personalities participating in the ministry of music in the Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church but the following is a recital in chronological order of such facts as we have been able to discover. (We shall recommend that hereafter the Session ask the Choir Director to make a report at each Annual Meeting of the Congregation, covering the previous year.)

If the first organ was installed in 1867, and Miss M. Alma Reid "was organist for twentyone years", we may infer that her service in this capacity continued until about 1888. If W. D. Bashore had served "fifty years", as Church Organist and Choir Director, in 1941, this would indicate the beginning of such service as in 1891. At one point the record says that John W. Harbourt resigned as Choir Director and the Session "immediately elected W. D. Bashore in his place". We understand that Mr. Harbourt had been Choir Director or "Leader" for "many years", no doubt extending back to the period (1867-1888) when Miss M. Alma Reid was Church Organist, and indeed Mr. Harbourt appears to have continued as a member of the Choir-perhaps as "Leader" -for many years longer-at least to 1904 or 1905. Thus we establish roughly the line of succession in chief responsibility for the music service in the Church.

However, we find here and there mention of many other names in connection with Choir work, including Duncan C. Milner as a member of the "first Choir"; John W. Ong as "Director of Music" for a time, O. M. Bracken as "Choir Leader"; Dr. J. J. Osborn as a member of the Choir and perhaps "Leader"; Mrs. J. J. (Carrie) Osborn as "Church Organist" (1888). On November 5, 1895 the Session appointed Dr. J. J. Osborn, Clara Mitchell, and Alma Reid, as a "Music Committee", and at this time also Craig Wells and Mrs. Emma Kithcart Miller were "added to the Choir", and' Miss Bessis Dickey was made Assistant Organist, Miss Ella Kithcart (later Mrs. Lewis Walker) also served as Organist for some years.

On April 12, 1942, at the Sunday morning service, there was formal recognition of and tribute to Mr. Bashore's long and faithful service for over fifty ,years as Organist and Choir Director. He resigned from this responsibility on December 12, 1943, after a longer continuous tenure than any other incumbent in the recorded history of the Church. Succeeding Directors of Music have been Miss Bernice Scott and Mrs. George L. (Bette Bigelow) Call, Jr.

Choir Members. We have found no record of Choir membership except casual references here and there to individuals who served regularly in that capacity or on special occasions on programs of music. Any mention of such names here, therefore, is certain to omit many who should be listed. The Harbourt family, however, stands out in participation over the years in this phase of worship. Cromwell O. Harbourt, among other qualities, was "musical in his tastes", and this gift has descended through all the generations since. This gave rise to the "Harbourt Quartette" which is a kind of tradition with varying membership from time to time rather than a strictly exclusive set of individuals and including, on occasion, other than the Harbourt name. Inquiry has confirmed that as nearly as this tradition can be defined, at least a typical "Harbourt Quartette" comprised Jesse M. Harbourt, first tenor; John W. Harbourt, second tenor; Asa O. Harbourt, first bass; and M. Craig Wells, second bass. From time to time other members of the family have participated in Choir work and orchestral accompaniments, including James M. Harbourt of the second generation; John Harbourt of the third generation, Harold Harbourt of the third generation; and David Harbourt of the fourth generation.

Besides this particular family we can identify from record references some others who gave of musical talents and these would include John W. Ong, Dr. J. J. Osborn and his wife, Mrs. Carrie Osborn, the King sisters, Martha and Alma; and in more recent years, Mrs. Andrew Hyslop, Mrs. Anna Harris Ruckman, Mrs. Thomas Skews, Miss Frances Ann Hussey, and others.

In this Anniversary Year, 1948, we record the organization of the Music Service as follows

Senior Choir: Mrs. George L. Call, Jr., Director; Miss Frances Ann Hussey, Organist; with Choir members, Mrs. Anna Harris Ruckman; Miss Elizabeth Hussey, Miss Sara Margaret Ruckman, Mrs. Geo. L. Call, Jr., and Mrs. Ella Kennedy, sopranos; Miss Ann Wilmot, Mrs. Leota Geise, Mrs. Audrey Skews, and Mrs. Carolyn Thomas Call, altos; Harry Ruckman and David Harbourt, tenors; and John Harbourt and James Jonnard, baritone.

Junior Choir: Mrs. Anna Harris Ruckman was appointed on October 20, 1947, as Assistant Director in charge of the Junior Choir, sometimes designated as the "Youth Choir", with Miss Sara Margaret Ruckman, Pianist; and Choir members, Shirley Herrlein, Jane Hussey, Patty Beal, Janet Rachel McConahey, Judy Berry, Alice Adele Murdock, Hildegard Ahrens, Sonia Hollar, Carol Jean Harbourt, Nancy McAllister, Phylis Berry, Carol Packer, Patty Applegarth, Nancy Negus, Vaughn de Leigh Ruckman, Jimmy Aspenwall, sopranos; Donna Thomas, Ellen Mae McAllister, Jane Anne Harbourt, Mildred Murie, and Jane Thomas, altos.

On January 15, 1941, the Session appointed Miss Kathleen Dennis as Assistant Church Organist.

The Church Choirs (Senior and Junior) first used "new robes" on September 9, 1945. While the record says "new" robes, we understand this to have been the first occasion on which any robes were used in this Church. To the total cost of these robes contributions were made by the Young Married Couples Class, Mr. Charles Hendon, Teacher; and the Berea Class, Mrs. Horace P. Hussey, Teacher.

The "Junior Choir" is mentioned for the first time on September 11, 1940, as one of the regular Church organizations.

Church Bell. The fire on March 3, 1947, completely destroyed the Church building and with it the treasured heirloom of the church bell installed in 1885. As this old bell plunged to a flaming death a last bold peal sounded and so ended fity-two years of service beloved by hundreds throughout the Village and country -side who listened weekly for its golden tones.

This bell was given by "Aunt Isabel" Alexander, as she was familiarly known to all, an aged lady of sterling worth and positive character, a member of the Mi. Pleasant Presbyterian Church for -years and who ever manifested a most active interest in Church affairs. In her later years her strong convictions led her to a quite noticable tapping of her fan when she concluded that a prayer or sermon was too long! She was the first of nine children born to James Johnson and Sarah Barnes Johnson, of Beaver County, Penna. "Aunt Isabel" was born November 16, 1796, and death came to her on July 27, 1894, at the age of 98 years. She is buried in the Scotch Ridge Cemetery nearby the tall monument to her brother, Smiley H. Johnson. From the grave stones in Scotch Ridge Cemetery and other references we feel certain that Aunt Isabel's husband was James Alexander (born 1798, died 1846) which, if correct, tells us she was a widow for 48 years I

In July, 1885, "Aunt Isabel" decided that she would give the Congregation a Church bell. On September 4, 1885, the bell was hung and Mrs. Alexander herself, then 89 years of age, rang the bell for the first time. The cost is recorded as $220.00, the weight 1107 pounds. John W. Harbourt drove his team and wagon to Wheeling and brought the bell out to Mi. Pleasant. Inscribed on the. bell was the legend

"Presented to the First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Pleasant, Ohio by Isabelle Alexander, July, 1885."

During World War II the ruined and broken bell was sold for the high-grade scrap contained and thereby made a final contri bution that human brotherhood might continue to live in the world.

Clarion. When the present beautiful brick edifice was completed and dedicated on May 29, 1938, one of the unique features of special equipment installed was the Clarion in memory of John William Harbourt and his wife, Mary Morton Harbourt, presented by Mr. and Mrs. William Harris, Mr. and Mrs. John Harris, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ruckman, and Mr. and Mrs. Jay Nelson. This equipment enables the broadcast of the finest recorded sacred music. Since installation the Clarion has been in constant use for the call to worship each Sunday and on special occasions such as the Christmas Season, and adds much to the service of music that is effective and unusual.