'■••.^.■VX,;B Fl : TU L / A V /ly The Brattle Organ (See page 212) New England Magazine An Illustrated Monthly Review of New England Life and Achievement VOL. XXVII. No. 2 CONTENTS FOR OCTOBER, 1902 FRONTISPIECE — THE BRATTLE ORGAN..... 130 THE MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY James Phinney Munroe. 131 GOETHE — A POEM Alice Crossette Hall . 1 59 THE PRICE OF AN ANGEL — A STORY ELLA Middleton TybOUT 1 60 THE COLONIAL PARSON Homer J. Webster 167 A SONG OF LOVE — A POEM Virna Sheard 176 THE PINE TREES OF NEW ENGLAND Annie 0. Huntington.. 177 JANE AND MARY FINDLATER, SISTER NOVELISTS Nora Archibald Smith. 186 POLLY STEVENS' CALF'S SKIN — A STORY Mary McHenry 192 STORY OF MAZZEI Helen Zimmern 198 ^^^HE FIRST ORGAN IN AMERICA Arthur W. Bra'yley... 212 AUTUMN — A POEM Ellen Frances Baldwin. 219 DANVERS, MASSACHUSETTS Frank E. Moynahan. • • . 220 THE TREASURE OF FAR ISLAND — A STORY Willa Sibert Gather.. 234 SURVIVAL — A POEM Charlotte Becker 249 THE TOURIST AND THE NATIVE Ethel Hobart 250 $3.00 A YEAR 25 CENTS A NUMBER Copyright 1902 by AMERICA COMPANY WARREN F. KELLOGG, Treasurer, 5 Park Square, Boston, Mass. Entereh as Second Class Mail Matter at the Boston Post Office The First Organ in America By Arthur W. Brayley TN an unpretentious little chapel in Portsmouth, N. H., stands an instruniciTt whose voice was the first organ tone to be heard in the New World. Could it descril^e the scenes of which it has been a spectator, often not a silent one, how full of interest its narrative! It could tell of the reqaiem for Queen Anne and of the important happenings in the reign of five kings upon the Brit- ish throne before the crowning of Queen Victoria. It could, tell of the stirring events of the Revolution, and of how, at the age of eighty-four, it sounded the dirge of Washington. Sacred, however, to the holy purpose for which it was erected, it has been an onlooker instead of a participator in the secular events of its time. Its advent was the cause of a bitter controversy that lasted for years and brought upon the cultured donor the severest censure. The prejudice against organs — called by the Scotch "a kist of whistles" and by the Puri- tans the "devil's bagpipes" — was an inheritance of the days of Puritanism when the hatred of all forms of the Established Church of England was carried to such a degree that the Government was petitioned to "put down all cathedral churches wherein the service to God was most griev- ously abused by the piping of organs, ringing of bells, singing and trowling of cliants frojn one side of the choir 212 to the other, with the squeaking of chanting choir boys, and such like abomination which were an offence lo the Lord." Cotton Mather, in his "Magnalia," has a question "whether such music may be lawfully introduced in the worship of God in the churches of the New Testament." He says also, that "there is not one word of institution in the New Testament for instrumen- tal music in the worship of God and because God rejects all He does not command, therefore, says in effect: T will not hear the melody of thy organ.' But, on the other side, the rule doth abundantly intimate that no voice is now to be heard in the church but what is significant and edifying l)y signification, which the voice of in- struments is not." He asks, "If w^e admit instrumental music in the wor- ship of God how can we resist the im- position of all the instruments used among the ancient Jews? Yea, dancing as well as playing and sev- eral other Judaic actions." The subject was discussed in va- rious theses at Harvard College Commencement : "Do organs excite a devotional spirit in divine worship?" Negative, 1730. "Does music promote salvation?" Affirmative, 1762. "Does the recent reformation in vocal music contribute greatly toward gggy Brattle Organ Wind Chest and Arrangement of Metal Pipes ^ij 214 FIRST ORGAN IN AMERICA promoting, the perfection of divine worship?" Affirmative. 1767. It was disputed even in England whetlicr organs were to be considered superstitious and popish. They had been destroyed or silenced in the time of the Commonwealth and it was not without much misgiving on the part of timid Protestants that, after the Restoration, one London church after another admitted the suspected in- strument. It was noted as one of the high church reactions in Queen Anne's time that churches without organs had thinner congregations. This organ was imported probably in 1708 or 1709, by Hon. Thomas Brattle, a noted citizen of Boston, where he was born June 20, 1658, and where he served from 1693 to 1713, the year of his death, as treasurer of Harvard College. He held a promi- nent place in the town's affairs and was distinguished for his activity and ability as well as for the zeal and readiness with which he devoted his time, wealth and intellectual powers to objects of private benevolence and public usefulness. Mr. Brattle was one of the founders of the Brattle Street Church, first known popularly as the "Manifesto church," his name leading the list of communicants, and he gave to the corporation the land in Brattle Square on which the church edifice stood. He was a zealous friend of the church, but the liberality of his religious views and his opposi- tion to the popular witchcraft delu- sion brought upon him great hostility in both his private and public life. He also was a musician of no mean ability, and having none of the preju- dices of the day against musical in- struments and their use in public worship, he imported from England the instrument described in this ar- ticle. The first reference to it is in the Rev. Joseph Green's diary: "1711 May 29 (Boston). I was at Mr. Thomas Brattles, heard y"^ organs and saw strange things in a micro- scope." Mr. Brattle d-ied in 1713 and his will, probated May 23 of that year, among other bequests contains this item: "I give, dedicate and devote my organ to the praise and glory of God in the said Brattle Street church, if they shall accept therof, and within a year after my decease procure a sober person that can play skilfully thereon with a loud noise ; otherwise to the church of England (King's Chapel) in this town, on the same terms and conditions, and on their non-acceptance or discontinuance to use it as above, unto the (Harvard) col- lege and in their non-acceptance to my nephew, William Brattle." The following action upon the mat- ter was taken by the Brattle Street Church : "July 24, 1713, the Rev. Mr. Wil- liam Brattle, pastor of the church in Cambridge signified by a letter the legacy of his brother, Thomas Brat- tle, Esq., late deceased, of a pair of organs, which he dedicated and de- voted to the praise and glory of God with us, if we should accept thereof, and within a year after his decease procure a sober person skilful to play thereon. The church, with all pos- sible respect to the memory of our deceased friend and benefactor voted, that they did not think it proper to use the same in the public worship of God." Brattle Organ. Showing the Small Wooden Octave ok Principals 213 216 FIRST ORGAN IN AMERICA The matter now rested with the of- ficers of King's Chapel, and they ac- cepted the gift. The entry in their books recording the event is as fol- lows : "At a meeting of the Gentlemen of the church this 3d day of August 1 71 3, Referring to the organs given by Thomas Brattle, Esq., De'as'd, Voted, that the organs be accepted i)y the church." And at another meeting held February, 1714, it was voted, "That the church wardens write to Col. Redknap and desire him to go to Mr. Edwards Enstone who lives next door to Mr. Masters on Tower Hill, ar^d discourse him on his inclination and ability to come over and be the organist here at 30 pounds per annum, this money, which with other advantages as to dancing, mu- sic, etc., will, we doubt not, be suffi- cient encouragement." On March 2 of the same year it was "Voted that the organ be forthwith put up." We know that the organ lay un- packed in the tower of the chapel from the time it was received until the above vote, a period of seven months, and that between March and December, 1714, pending the arrival of Mr. Enstone, it was played by a Mr. Price. The following contract was made by Col. Redknap with Mr. Enstone in London, and is interesting from the fact that it is the first agreement of the kind in the country: "Articles of agreement made, had, and concluded upon the 29th day of June Anno Domini, 1714, and in the thirteenth year of the Reign of our Soverign Lady Ann, By the Grace of God Ruler of Great Brittain, France and Ireland, Queen defender of the Faith etc, Between Edward Instone of the city of London, Gent, of the one part, and Collo John Redknap of Boston, in North America, Gent, (for and on behalf of the churchwardens and vestrymen now and for the Queens Chappel in Boston afore- said) of the other part, in manner and form following, viz; whereas, the said Collo John Redknap was authorized by the churchwardens and vestrymen of the Queens Chappel in Boston aforesaid, to procure, contract and agree for them and in their names with a person well quali- fyed and would undertake to be organist in the said chappel; and if said Edward Instone being- a person fitly qualefied for the said Imployment and willing to un- dertake the same. It is therefore mutt- ally covenanted, concluded and agreed upon by and between said parties and the said Edward Instone doth agree to y'' same. That the said Edward shall and will by or before' the 25th day of October next issueing, wind and weather permit- ting, be in Boston in North America aforesaid and being there shall and will at all proper and usual times of Devine service officiate as organist in the said chappel for and during the space of three years certain, to be computed from the day that the said Edward Instone shall arrive at Boston aforesaid, and after- wards for such term or time' as the churchwardens and vestrymen of the said chappel now and for y« time being and the said Edward Instone shall think fit and agree upon. In consideration of which voyage so to be performed by the said Edward Instone, he, the said Collo Jno Redknap, hath this day paid unto y^ said Edward Instone the sum of £10 of lawful money of Great Brittain, the Rec't whereof is hereby acknowledged; and the said Collo John Redknap (for and on the part and behalfe of the church- wardens and vestrymen of the Queens Chappel in Boston aforesaid now and for the time being) Doth covenant promise and agree to and with y^ said Edward Instone, his exc'r's and adm'r's that the churchwardens and vestrymen of the said chappel now and for the time being shall and will from time to time and at all times will and truely pay or cause to be paid unto the said Edward Instone the sum of £7 los. per Quarter immediately FIRST ORGAN IN AMERICA 217 after each Quarter day, current money, of New England, for every Quarter of a year that the said Edward Instone shall ofificiate as organist in y^ Chappel. And to ys true performance and keeping of all and singular covenants and agree- ments' herein before curtained each of y^ said parties bindeth himself, his exc'r's and admV's unto the other of them, his exc'r's and adm'r's and assigns in y^ penal sum of £20 of lawful money of Great Brittain by these presents to be paid recovered. In wittness whereof the said partys to these presents have inter- changeably set their hands and seals the' day and year first above written. Edward Enstone (l. s.) Sealed and delivered in y^ presents of Jong Gawthorne Stephen Bellas. Gentlemen. The £10 given to Mr. Enstone was more than the church officers in- tended should be paid, but Col. Red- knap wrote them that as the organist had to pay his wife's passage he could not start for a less sum and that dur- ing the time he was making prepara- tions for the trip to New England he would study the mechanical construc- tion of the organ in order that he would be able to make any repairs in case of accident. It was not until September 7, 1714, that the organist left London for Boston, at least, that is the date of the following letter he brought to the vestrymen of King's Chapel : Gentlemen: According to your former request and Directions I now send you over Mr. Ed- ward Enstone an organist to y^ Kings Chappel in Boston. I sent you in July last by Capt. Lethered a copy of article o£ agreement between him and myself. What I have to say further upon that head is. That he is said to be a person of sober life and conversation and well qualified for what he has undertaken, and I doubt not but he will approve himself as such which will merit your assistance in other matters relating to his profes- sion. I am Gentlemen with all respects Your very humble servant J. Redknap. The organist brought with him not only sacred music to these music- silent shores, but also secular notes. Judge Sewall records in his diary the following significent entry : "1716 (Nov) 29-s. After lecture Mr. Welsteed and Capt. Wadsworth ac- quainted Mr. Bromfield and me that a Ball was designed at Enstone's in the evening ; pray'd us to prevent the Gov'r being there. ... At last his Excel'y promised us not to be there." That Mr. Enstone's playing was satisfactory to the congregation of the stone chapel is attested by the fact that on January 17, 171 7, at the ex- piration of the three years' contract he was re-engaged at the same salary. In the year 1756 the organ was sold to the parish of St. Paul's at New- buryport, Mass., and another, said to have been approved by Handel, was imported from England at a cost of £500, and was installed in its place. The Brattle organ remained in its new home till 1836, when it was pur- chased for Saint John's Chapel in Portsmouth, N. H., by Dr. Bur- roughs for $400 and set up in the chapel. In the mean time, or about eighty years after Brattle Street Church re- fused the gift of its benefactor, a change of opinion in regard to church music had taken place among many of its members, and an organ was purchased in England by subscrip- tion. It arrived safely in Boston 218 FIRST ORGAN IN AMERICA outer harbor, but so great was the opposition to its introduction on the part of some members of the parish that they sent a committee to the minister, Dr. Thacher, desiring him with pledge of making good the cost of purchase, of freight and charges, witli damages,! if he would make ar- rangements with the captain of the importing ship to have the cases con- taining the instrument thrown over- board. But the good doctor, being a progressive man, declined to inter- fere and the organ was in due time set up and was used in the church till 1872, when tHe old edifice was taken down and a new one erected in the Back Bay. The famous Brattle organ is 8 feet 2 inches high, 5 feet wide and 2 feet 7 inches deep, but contains no trace of the maker's name. On the key frame, written with lead pencil, is the name "Mr. Edwards, Portland, Maine." Mr. Edwards was an organ builder and may have made the new case, which is of light colored Honduras fnahogany. The sides are panelled and the front is graced with seventeen non-speaking gilded wooden pipes. The key-board trimmings are of rose- wood. The wind chest, slides, valves, top-boards, rock-boards and rock- board pins remain unchanged and are of English oak- — a common mate- rial with old English organ builders. The organ has six registers: Ses- quialter bass, Dulciana, 15th bass, 15th treble, stopped Diapason, and Principal. It is without foot pedal keys and has but one bank of fifty- one keys on the key-board manual from CC to D, but the wind chest is bored for forty-nine pipes, the CC sharp and the D being stationary. This key-board slides in when not m use. The size of wind chest is that of the key-scale, as the makers did not know the use of the roller board to spread the tone. The octave or Principal is of wood instead of metal and runs through all the forty-nine pipes. The tone is half- way between the modern octave and " the Flute Traverso. The Dulciana is of metal with thirty-one pipes tenor G to E, the Fifteenth of metal with forty-nine pipes divided at C. The Dulciana originally was a two bank mixture of ninety-eight pipes, but this brilliant tone was not so suitable for church music, hence the change. The stopped Diapason and Fifteenth are original. One of the most marked peculiarities of this instrument is that the stop Diapason treble begins at G second octave, and the Dulciana be- gins at the same note, and as the stop Diapason bass is not controlled by any draw stop it is on all the time and consequently furnishes the bass for both stops. The Diapason bass pipes are set at the back of the organ wherever there is room without regard to natural or- der. This singular arrangement may be accounted for by the inability of the early builders to put in a suitable stop to control these pipes. One of the lower pipes of the Fifteenth bears the name "Joseph G. Pike, 183 1 " and "E. G. Morss, 183 1," scratched with a sharp instru- ment. The latter name suggests that of Rev. Dr. Morss, rector of St. Paul's Church, Newburyport, whose son was an amateur organ builder. The length of the lowest bass pipe is 4 feet, being stopped gives an 8 feet tone, the highest is C sharp fifteenth, AUTUMN 219 and is pitched two octaves above the Diapason. In regard to the register stop heads, that of the Dulciana is unmis- takably a reHc of the old days. The engraving is quaint and inartistic. The Sesquialter bass gives some indi- cation of age, but not so determi- nate. The remaining register heads are semi-modern and the work resembles that of John Bolton, who about three-quarters of a century ago did such work for all Boston organ builders. A part of the original framework of the hinged bellows remains, to which has been attached a rising of flat bel- lows which is filled by the organist pumping at the front or by an as- sistant working the pedal at the side. To the tone character of the sev- eral registers great praise cannot be given, because of the lack of proper equality and balance between them, and because of the same lack between the several piped ones of each indi- vidual register. Still, the tone is mellow and sweet, and when we re- member that it was the first organ that ever pealed to the glory of God in this country, we gladly overlook all its shortcomings. Autumn By Ellen Frances Baldwin AWAY, where the 'breath of the morning In mist is enveiling the hills. The clarion horn of a huntsman The silence encompassing fills. The sweep of an oncoming pageant Far down through the hush draweth near, All splendid in purple and scarlet Comes Autumn, the king of the year. The usurping Summer, before him Has fled at the sound of his horn, And on toward her far southern kingdom He speeds through the mist of the morn. For naught does he stop in his riding, And naught in his swiftness he heeds. Till he reaches the forest's dim chantry Where Nature is telling her beads; There, lowly, a blessing he seeketh Beside the sweet shrine of the fane ; While the woods like a sunset are glowing With the gleam of his lingering train. Danvers, Massachusetts By Frank E. Moynahan "Landing on a green slope's side, Grazing round the region wide, Over wind-swept forests free, Down the inlet to the sea, Quoth the governor, 'What harm If I here lay out my farm. Plant my orchards, sow my maize And in peace live out my days? In my little sloop sail down, When I must, to Salem town, Ruling the %ood folk as well As if I should with them dwell." s who, O writes the poet of the land- ing of Governor John Ende- cott, who was the first gov- ernor of the colony, and with his followers, was the first white man known to have set foot on the soil of Danvers — good, old Danvers, historic and famed, the home of the hateful withcraft delu- sion no more than the home of some of the noblest men, the bravest heroes, the greatest gen- erals, the a'blest legislators, the most skilled physicians, the most gifted writers, — rich in colonial and provincial history, full of sacred soil which covers the dust of men and women revered in all parts of this broad country, one of the most in- teresting spots in the famous coun- ty of old Essex, of the common- wealth, in the land which, in June, 1902, observed its 150th anniver- sary with elaborate exercises last- ing three days. Town House and Soldiers' Monument 220 M^^. • •■' V ?t;7--r mm ...,.;>'■-% "lip ;' '-.''. :■ ■ --"ft m^-i /- •■^,.A;•'^'■<