Page:History of Knox Church Dunedin.djvu/131

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This brief record of the proceedings which resulted in the introduction of instrumental music would be incomplete if no reference were made to the invaluable services rendered to the congregation by the Organ Committee, and particularly by its chairman, Mr John Roberts, C.M.G., to whose indefatigable energy and sound judgment the satisfactory completion of the undertaking was largely due. Much credit is also due to the bazaar committee and to the ladies whose abundant labours contributed so largely to the success of the bazaar. The thanks of the congregation are also justly due to the past and present members of the choir for the ready and cheerful manner in which they have devoted their time and talents to the improvement of the church's service of praise. The heartiness with which the congregation join in this important part of public worship is owing in no small measure to Mr Barth's skilful manipulation, and the tasteful and judicious manner in which the organ is used by him as a guide and aid in singing.

The introduction of the organ necessarily led to other changes in the service of song. Mr A. M. Braik, who had led the psalmody of the church for two years with much acceptance, was continued in his position as congregational precentor and teacher of music, his duties being to conduct the singing in the Sabbath School, train classes of young people, &c. Mr Braik still continues in the performance of these duties, and his services are justly appreciated. The Report for 1890 states that three classes had been held weekly, with an aggregate attendance of 300, and adds: "As showing the bearing of these classes upon the psalmody of the congregation, it may be noted that three-fourths of the present church choir have been at one time connected with them, while there are numbers in the congregation qualified to fill vacancies as they occur." These classes do much to foster a taste for uiiisic, while at the same time they are educating the young people to take an efficient part in the service of song. Mr Braik has received valuable help from Mr David Thomson, secretary to the various