Page:History of Knox Church Dunedin.djvu/129

Rh to the introduction of an organ. The committee reported that of the 99 members 52 would acquiesce, 36 were as yet opposed, 6 were still undecided, and 5 had not been seen. The Session, after consideration of the report, passed the following resolution:—"The Session, having considered the vote of the congregation on the question of the introduction of instrumental music in public worship, and also the report of the committee deputed to wait on the members who recorded their votes against the use of such music, are satisfied that the members of Knox Church congregation are substantially unanimous in favour of the use of instrumental music in public worship." Ten members of Session voted for the resolution, and one against. It was also decided to ask the Presbytery of Dunedin to sanction the proposed use of instrumental music in the service of praise in Knox Church. The Presbytery having at its meeting in November 1882 unanimously granted the Session's request, a committee was appointed to take all needful steps for giving effect to the wishes of the congregation. The Organ Committee consisted of Messrs J. Roberts (convener), Bartleman, Blair, Burt, Dutch, W. Hislop, Mackerras, McQueen, G. M. Thomson, Pryde, and White.

The committee set about the work entrusted to them with energy and judgment. Subscriptions were invited, and a plan of the proposed alterations in the church for providing suitable space for the organ and accommodation for the choir was laid before the Deacons' Court in February 1883, and was approved of. Mr R. A. Lawson was appointed to superintend the alterations, and Mr John Ross, who was about to return to England, was requested to procure a suitable instrument. The order was placed by Mr Ross in the hands of Messrs T. Lewis and Sons, of London, by whom a splendid instrument was built at a cost of about £1100. Mr Ross superintended the forwarding of the organ, and the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Shipping Company generously agreed to convey it to New Zealand free of charge. Meanwhile all necessary preparations were made in the church for the reception of the instrument, which was landed at Dunedin in June 1884, and was soon afterwards placed in position by Mr G. R. West. The committee were indebted to Messrs Barningham and Co. for the use of their warehouse while the organ was in course of erection.

Mr A. J. Barth, whose credentials were of the highest order, was appointed organist, and the instrument was used in public worship for