Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 40.djvu/649

Rh establishments. Meanwhile the development of organ-building in this country, it must be remembered, depended almost wholly upon the disposition of church patrons and clergymen to follow the example of their European brethren in giving the instrument a place in religious ceremonials. As evidenced in the Brattle incident, much prejudice formerly existed against the



use of the instrument in church services among the Protestant sects—the predominating element—but, unless in very rural districts, none of this feeling now persists.

The Hooks, precursors of the celebrated firm of Hook & Hastings, Boston, were the first builders in New England to display individuality and a desire to adopt new improvements in their instruments. The Hook brothers, Elias and George G., began business in Salem, Mass., in 1827. Elias, the practical head of the