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 ADDRESS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 HARIONIA SACRED MUSIC SOCIETY 
 
 OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 WITH ITS 
 
 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 CmSSY k MARKLEY, PRINTERS, GOLDSMITHS HALL, LIBRARY STREET, 
 
 1852. 
 
 ^^^^^^r^^ 
 
ADDEESS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 SACRED MUSIC S 
 
 1 
 
 r 
 
 OF PHILADELPHIA, 
 
 WITH ITS 
 
 CONSTITUTION AND ^BY-LAWS. 
 
 < • » > » 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 CRISST & MARKLET, PKIXTERS, GOLDS3nTH3 HALL, LIBPwARY STREET. 
 
 1852. 
 
I'l'IOESH.JS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 HARMONIA SACRED MUSIC SOCIETY 
 
 PRESIDENT. 
 
 W. H. W. DARLEY. 
 
 TKEASUREE. 
 
 GEORGE F. JONES. 
 
 SECRETARY. 
 
 WILLIAM A. ROLIN 
 
 < ♦ • » > 
 
 BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 
 
 W. H. W. DARLEY, 
 GEORGE F. JONES, 
 WILLIAM A. ROLIN, 
 GEORGE W. WOOD, 
 THOMAS M. DAVIS, 
 BENJAMIN F. SCULL, 
 
 JOHN R. WELSH, 
 EDWARD C. KRUG, 
 BRYANT FERGUSON, 
 R. B. DAVIDSON, 
 ELI GRIFFITH, 
 JOHN WELCH. 
 
ADDRESS. 
 
 The city of Philadelphia, with a population of nearly half a 
 million; should possess at least one institution, expressly devoted to 
 the cultivation and improvement of Sacred Music. That it does 
 not, is one of those anomalies for which it is difficult to account. 
 Music, in a general sense, is very extensively cultivated in our 
 midst, and the assertion may be made without fear of contradic- 
 tion, that the taste of the musical circles of Philadelphia is far 
 more correct and refined than that of our sister cities of the Union. 
 There are amateurs among us whose talent places them in an 
 advanced position of the art. 3Iany of them have given their 
 attention to the higher descriptions of sacred music, and yet, not- 
 withstanding strong exertions have been made to interest the public 
 mind and taste in this particular branch of the science, it has 
 proved almost fruitless. Some attention has of late years been 
 given to the improvement of Church Music, but much remains to 
 be done in that department. Shall the advantages so far gained, 
 and the taste thus 'parthj awakened, be of no avail, or shall we 
 continue to sttive with renewed effort, until the end be attained ? 
 
 Repeated attempts have been made during the last thirty years, 
 
to establisli Sacred Music societies in our city, but without success. 
 They have been formed, and started into life, but after a short 
 existence, have expired, and are now almost forgotten. It would 
 be useless to enumerate them, or to narrate particularly the causes 
 which have operated against their permanent establishment, but it 
 is obvious to all who have given the subject their careful attention, 
 that there have been radical defects in their organization, or the 
 manner in which they have expected to carry on their operations. 
 The want of success, however, is not altogether chargeable to those 
 who have been the originators of the numerous associations referred 
 to. Their efforts were laudable, and deserved a better fate than 
 failure. Our citizens have stood aloof too much ; they have not 
 sympathized with the exertions which have been put forth : their 
 taste in this department has not been reached, awakened smd/osteixd, 
 as it should be. The consequences, therefore, have been disastrous, 
 and the struggle thus far, has been in vain. Properly appreciated, 
 these considerations will be of great benefit to those of us " who 
 come after," and great caution must be observed by all making 
 similar attempts, to avoid the difficulties their predecessors con- 
 tended with, and to remedy (if possible) the defects that have here- 
 tofore existed, either in organization or plan of action. 
 
 The Harmonia Sacred Music Society of Philadelphia was 
 organized in the last quarter of the year 1850. From a small, but 
 determined effort on the part of its original projectors, it has sprung 
 into an existence which is now believed to be a vigorous and healthy 
 youth ) we hope to see it expand into the full stature and strength 
 of manhood. That which has by many been justly considered a 
 radical defect, the want of an act of incorporation, is, in the case of 
 our society, obviated, for a charter has been obtained from the 
 Legislature of Pennsylvania, liberal in its provisions, and sufficiently 
 comprehensive in its details, to satisfy all who are interested in our 
 
welfare. One difficulty, therefore, in the way of a permanent 
 establishment and probable success, has been removed. Another 
 obstacle in the way of successful exertion, the absence of the 
 desired taste for sacred music on the part of our citizens, is also 
 being rapidly remedied, for the most indifferent observer cannot fail 
 to see that the taste for music of every description has been 
 increasing for several years past, and we are happy to say, to a very 
 great extent. Besides, our citizens are not fully aware of the fact, 
 that the " great masters'' of every age, have given their loftiest 
 efforts to the production of sacred music. Beethoven, Mozart, 
 Handel^ Haydn^ Rossini^ and hosts of others, have sent forth to 
 the world the most exquisite, sublime and soul-stirring melodies and 
 harmonies, bearing sacred sentiments, devoted to the worship, 
 adoration and praise of the Almighty, the Creator, and the Father 
 of us all. 
 
 Another difficulty in the way of success, has been the want of a 
 rallying point of some magnitude, which is especially necessary to 
 the welfare and proper establishment of a Sacred Music Society. 
 The great expense of orchestral accompaniments in organizing, 
 practising and performing, has been a serious weight upon the 
 pecuniary resources of an association of this kind. Although not 
 wishing to do away entirely with so desirable an accompaniment as a 
 well balanced orchestra, it was proposed to have a large and power- 
 ful organ built, one that would produce grand orchestral effects, and 
 every variety of beautiful combinations. A number of our citizens 
 were waited upon, by a committee, and with commendable liberality 
 they subscribed, in a short time, a sum sufficient to build a nolle 
 instrument of the largest clasSy which will be worth, when com- 
 pleted, about seven thousand dollars. The society issued certificates 
 of loan to each subscriber, bearing interest from the date of pay- 
 
ment, in stares of twenty dollars eacli, and a contract was imme- 
 diately made, with Mr. J. C. B. Standbridge, of our own city, a 
 gentleman well known among us, and one who has the ability and 
 skill requisite to produce a splendid specimen of this most noble of 
 all instruments. The result of his labors will be such as to leave 
 no doubt that it will be considered the largest and best organ in the 
 United States, and one of the "lions" of Philadelphia. It will 
 contain about sixty stops, comprising about three thousand pipes^ 
 and the effect of this instrument, united with a well-drilled, efficient 
 and powerful chorus, must certainly be not only grand, but pleasing 
 to every lover of this soul-inspiring art. 
 
 Owing to the enterprise and public spirit of our townsman, Mr. 
 George "W. "Watson, a splendid hall is being built, (in Chesnut 
 street, between 12th and 13th streets,) in which the organ will be 
 placed. Thus a ^^ rallying poini^ is made, a home for our members 
 is found, and with judicious management, and an untiring wish to 
 please, we confidently expect success. 
 
 To those who join us, wishing to cultivate and improve their 
 knowledge of singing, we offer the inducement of instruction and 
 amusement at a very small expense, for each season, which is more 
 than repaid them by the concert tickets given to each member. 
 In addition to this, it is intended to give relief to such members as 
 may require it in time of sickness and distress, as the charter 
 expressly provides for this praiseworthy object, which provision can 
 be extended as the means of the society may allow. 
 
 To those who become subscribers to our concerts, we shall give 
 (to the best of our ability,) selections from the works of the Great 
 Masters, which will be increased in great variety, as rapidly as the 
 means of the society improve. It is proposed to give a series of 
 concerts each season, to which a limited number of subscribers will 
 
be admitted on the same terms as is customary with other societies, 
 adding the privilege of attending the rehearlsals of the society at 
 such times as the by-laws from time to time may provide. 
 
 The love of music is as yet only partially developed in this 
 country. Kfree tmdi prosperous people must love " the divine art.'' 
 We believe the time to be rapidly approaching when the influence 
 of music will not only be universally acknowledged, but universally 
 felt. Our city has not kept pace with others of our country in its 
 regard for sacred music, but we are beginning to awake to the 
 importance of a full and universal cultivation of the taste for 
 music of every kind, and when once aroused, we shall not soon 
 return to our slumbers. So refining and so elevating an art, when 
 once appreciated and enjoyed, will not be permitted to leave us, but 
 it will be desired more and more, until all shall feel its power, and 
 all enjoy its presence. 
 
 The art of Sacred Music is yet in its infancy, so far as the prac- 
 tice and love of it is concerned. Few are aware how susceptible of 
 improvement is the performance of it. It must, it will have its 
 proper place in the hearts of the lovers of music generally. ^' It 
 has a power peculiarly its own ; a purifying, ennobling and ele- 
 vating power, and will find its way into places where naught else 
 will penetrate." The taste for it, when cultivated, by hearing the 
 sublimest compositions the world can boast of, will increase rapidly, 
 and open to many a source of pleasant enjoyment which they never 
 imagined. 
 
 We ask the co-operation of those among whom we live, to carry 
 out, to a successful issue, our present plans, and with their aid and 
 countenance, we do not entertain a doubt of the result. We believe 
 the time has now arrived, when the present effort made by the 
 Harmonia Sacred Music Society will be a successful one, and that 
 it will become a permanent establishment in this city. We launch 
 
8 
 
 our barque upon the waters, and we look to you for encouragement 
 
 on our voyage. "We* do it, not in fear and trembling, but with a 
 
 firm determination to deserve success. "We can only ask to receive 
 
 such reward as we merit. We desire no other, and if perseverance 
 
 and united effort will secure it, we shall have attained our object; 
 
 " to advance the cause of music generally ^ and of sacred music in 
 
 particular." 
 
 W. H. W. DARLEY, 
 
 I^resident, 
 
 GEORGE F. JONES, 
 
 Treasurer. 
 
 WILLIAM A. ROLI^, 
 
 Secretary. 
 
 Philadelphia, October, 1852. 
 
AN ACT 
 
 TO INCORPORATE 
 
 THE HARMOIIA SACRED MUSIC SOCIETY 
 
 OF PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 WhereaSj Sundry persons in the city and county of Philadelphia, 
 having associated for the purpose of cultivating and improving a 
 taste for Sacred Music, and music generally, and for the better 
 enabling them to accomplish their object and enlarge the beneficial 
 influence of music upon the minds of the citizens : Therefore 
 
 Section 1. Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Repre- 
 sentatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania^ in General As- 
 semhly met^ and it is hereby enacted hy the authority of the same : 
 That William H. W. Darley, G-eorge F. Jones, John K. Welsh, 
 John Rutherford; Jr., Thomas M. Davis, Bryant Ferguson, and 
 their associates, members of the association, called the Harmonia 
 Sacred Music Society of Philadelphia, and all such persons as may 
 be hereafter admitted members of the same, shall be and they are 
 hereby constituted and declared to be a body politic and corpo- 
 rate, in deed and in law, by the name, style and title of " The Har- 
 monia Sacred Music Society of Philadelphia/' and by the said 
 corporate name shall have perpetual succession, to use a common 
 seal, and to break, alter or renew the same at pleasure, and to take, 
 hold and enjoy lands, tenements and hereditaments, in fee simple, 
 or for any less estate, and personal property, by gift, grant, pur- 
 
10 
 
 cliase, devise or bequest, or other lawful means, and sell or dispose 
 of and convey and assign the same, to sue and be sued, and gene- 
 rally to do and perform all such acts, matters and things, as shall be 
 lawful and necessary for them to do to carry out the full and true 
 intent of this act : Provided, That the clear annual income of the 
 said society shall not, in any one year, exceed the sum of ten thou- 
 sand dollars. 
 
 Section 2. That the essential object of the said Corporation shall 
 be the cultivation of skill and diffusion of taste in music, and the 
 relief of the performing members thereof, in case of sickness, 
 infirmity or other distress, in such manner, and to such extent, as 
 may be determined upon and established in the by-laws of the 
 said society, hereinafter provided for. 
 
 Section 3. That the ofiicers of said Corporation shall be a Pre- 
 sident, two Vice-Presidents, a Treasurer, a Secretary and ten Direc- 
 tors, who shall constitute a Board for the transaction of all business 
 of the society, and shall be elected by ballot, by such of the mem- 
 bers of the said society as may at the time be entitled under the 
 by-laws to vote at the Annual Meetings of the members, to be held 
 on the Fourth Monday of November in each and every year, for- 
 ever : Provided, That in case an election at any time should not 
 be held at the time appointed therefor, the said society shall not, 
 for that cause, be dissolved, but the election shall be held so soon 
 thereafter as may be, and until such election shall take place, the 
 officers, last chosen, shall continue in the transaction of all busi- 
 ness. 
 
 Section 4. The Treasurer shall hold his office during the plea- 
 sure of the Board of Directors, and the books, papers, moneys and 
 accounts in his possession, shall be at all times subject to their 
 inspection and control; he shall give security to the Corporation, to 
 be approved by the Board of Directors, conditioned for the proper 
 performance of his duties, and for the faithful application of all 
 moneys of the society that may come into his hands. 
 
 Section 5. That the members of said society shall consist of two 
 classes, one thereof to be styled ^^ Performing Members," and the 
 other ^^Contributing Members." 
 
11 
 
 Section 6. The Board of Directors shall have the control over 
 all accounts, moneys and property of the said society, and shall 
 have power to appropriate the funds thereof, in such manner as may 
 to them appear to be most conducive to the interests and objects of 
 the society, and shall have full power to make such by-laws and 
 ordinances as shall and may be deemed necessary to effect the 
 objects of the society, and the same, at any time, to revoke, alter 
 and amend : Provided, That such by-laws and ordinances shall not 
 be repugnant to, or inconsistent with the Constitution and laws of 
 this State or of the United States. 
 
 Section 7. That the Board of Directors shall have power to 
 assess, levy and collect, on and from each and every member of said 
 society, an annual contribution : Provided, That the same shall not 
 be less than one dollar, nor greater than ten dollars, and no mem- 
 ber of the said society shall be eligible to office, or entitled to vote 
 at any election, nor be entitled to benefits, while he remains in 
 arrears thereof. 
 
 Section 8. That at every Annual Meeting the Board of Direc- 
 tors shall make a full report of the condition and affairs of the 
 society, and of their proceedings during the time they shall have 
 acted. 
 
 Section 9. That the character, duties and rights of the several 
 classes of members, the powers and functions of the officers herein- 
 before mentioned, and of all those who may be hereafter appointed, 
 the mode of supplying vacancies in office, the times of meeting of 
 the said Corporation, and of the several Boards and Committees 
 respectively, the terms of admission, the mode of proposing and 
 electing members, the causes which shall justify the suspension or 
 disfranchisement of a corporator, and the other concerns of the said 
 Corporation, shall be regulated by the by-laws and ordinances of 
 the same, to be made in pursuance and by virtue of the power and 
 authority contained and granted in the first section of this act. 
 
 Section 10. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to give public 
 notice of the time and place of each annual meeting and of the elec- 
 tion of officers. The present officers are hereby constituted the officers 
 of the Corporation, and shall continue to hold and exercise their 
 
12 
 
 respective offices until the Fourth Monday of Xovember next, and 
 until the officers provided for in this act shall be regularly chosen 
 as aforesaid. 
 
 JOHN S. RHEY, 
 Speaker of the House of Rejyresentativcs. 
 
 JOHN H. WALKER, 
 
 Speaker of the Senate. 
 
 Approved the fourth day of May, one thousand eight hundred 
 
 and fifty-two. 
 
 WILLIAM BIGLER. 
 
 Secretary's Office, 
 
 Pennsylvania y ss. 
 
 I do hereby certify that the foregoing and annexed is a true 
 and correct copy of the original act of the General Assembly, 
 as the same remains on file in this office. 
 
 \^-^^J(^ iw- Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand 
 
 and caused the seal of the Secretary's Office to be here- 
 
 ^^i^^i^ unto affixed, at Harrisburg, this thirteenth day of 3Iay, 
 
 ^Jcn^"^ A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two. 
 
 E. S. GOODRICH, 
 Dep. Secretary of the Commonivealth. 
 
BY-LAWS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 PRESIDENT. 
 
 It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of 
 the Society and Board of Directors, appoint all committees not 
 appointed by the Board ; announce the result of all votes ; see that 
 the officers and committees properly perform their duties ; enforce 
 an observance of the Constitution, By-Laws and rules of order ; 
 vote upon questions when a tie occurs, but not otherwise. It shall 
 be his duty to direct the Secretary to call a special meeting upon 
 application of five members of the Society. Special meetings of 
 the Board of Directors shall be subject to the same regulation. 
 
 He shall be ex-officio member of each Standing Committee. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 VICE PRESIDENTS. 
 
 One of the Vice Presidents shall possess all the powers and per- 
 form all the duties of the President whenever he is absent, unable 
 to act, or the office is vacant. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 TREASURER. 
 
 The Treasurer shall receive and receipt for all moneys that may 
 come into his possession, pay all drafts of the Board of Directors, 
 Relief, or other committees authorized to draw from the funds of 
 the Society ; report the state of the treasury at every stated meet- 
 ing of the Board, or at any special meeting when the Board may 
 require, and at the expiration of his official career, he shall hand 
 over the books, papers and funds in his hands, to his successor in 
 office. 
 
14 
 CHAPTEE lY. 
 
 SECRETARY. 
 
 The Secretary shall, in a book provided for the purpose, fairly 
 and regularly enter all the rules and regulations of the Society, 
 with a register of the names of members. 
 
 He shall summon the Board of Directors, and give notice of the 
 meetings of the Society, as may be directed ; notify special com- 
 mittees through their chairman ; incorporate the reports of the 
 Treasurer and Standing Committees in the minutes. 
 
 He shall draft and forward all letters directed to be written by 
 the Board of Directors, and shall preserve copies thereof, which he 
 shall lay before the Board, together with such communications as 
 shall be addressed to him, and shall take charge of all communications 
 addressed to the Society or Board of Directors. 
 
 CHAPTER y. 
 
 BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 
 
 Section 1. The Board of Directors shall meet on the fourth 
 Monday in February, May, August and November, at such time 
 and place as they may appoint. Seven members shall at all times 
 constitute a quorum. 
 
 Sect. 2. Special meetings of the Board may be held at the call 
 of the President, or five members of the Board. 
 
 Sect. 3. A majority of the Board shall have power to fill any 
 vacancies that may occur in their body. 
 
 Sect. 4. They shall be empowered to apply the funds of the 
 Society for the relief of those performing members who have been 
 regular contributors for two years, who are in any way disabled 
 from pursuing their respective avocations, and shall have discretion- 
 ary power to extend relief to the widows and children of deceased 
 performing members, Frovided, That the sum so applied shall not 
 in any one case exceed fifti/ dollars. 
 
 Sect. 5. All drafts upon the Treasurer, except those of the 
 Relief Committee, must be made by sanction of the Board of 
 Directors, and no committee except that above named shall be 
 authorized to contract bills or make appropriations until authority 
 has been given them by the Board. 
 
 Sect. G. The annual contribution of each member of the Board 
 shall be three dollcirs, which shall entitle him to all the privileges 
 granted by the Charter and By-Laws. 
 
 Sect. 7. The President and Secretary of the Society are ex-officio 
 President and Secretary of the Board. 
 
15 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 STANDING COMMITTEES. 
 
 The following Standing Committees shall be appointed or elected, 
 who may adopt such regulations for their government as may (being 
 in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws, and subject to 
 the inspection of the Board of Directors,) fully and effectually carry 
 out the objects of their appointment. 
 
 First — Committee on Music. 
 
 This Committee shall consist of three. It shall be their duty to 
 take charge of the musical performances of the Society, under 
 such regulations as the Board of Directors may see fit from time to 
 time to prescribe. 
 
 They shall receive applications from persons desirous of becoming 
 performing members, and certify to the Board such as they may 
 approve. 
 
 Second — Committee on Finance. 
 
 This Committee shall consist of three and the Treasurer " ex- 
 officio." It shall be their duty to devise and report, from time to 
 time, the best practical method for conducting the financial aff"airs of 
 the Society, and increasing its property. 
 
 They shall inspect the accounts of the Treasurer previous to the 
 annual meeting, and report the result of their investigations to the 
 Board of Directors, in time for their action previous to said meeting. 
 
 Third — Committee of Relief . 
 
 This Committee shall consist of five, whose duty it shall be to 
 receive and examine all applications for relief, and when they believe 
 the object worthy and eligible, they shall extend such aid as the 
 necessities of the case may, in their judgment, require : Provided, 
 That no applicant shall receive more than fiffij dollars within any 
 period of twelve months, without special action of the board. 
 
 They shall report the result of their operations at every meeting 
 of the Board, and if it should be deemed conducive to the welfare 
 of the Society, they shall present all the attendant circumstances, 
 withholding the name of the applicant, unless called for by a vote. 
 
 A majority of the Committee shall have power to act, and their 
 orders on the Treasurer shall be signed by said majority, including 
 the Chairman, or in his absence the Chairman pro tem. 
 
 CHAPTER YII. 
 
 REPORTS OP, AND VACANCIES IN COMMITTEES. 
 
 Section 1. All Committees appointed for special purposes shall 
 report at each stated meeting until discharged. 
 
16 
 
 Sect. 2. No Committee shall be discharged until all bills incurred 
 by it shall have been paid. 
 
 Sect. 3. The President shall fill all vacancies that may occur in 
 any Standing or Special Committee, and the Board of Directors 
 shall have power to remove any member of said Committee at their 
 pleasure. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 CHAIRMAN OP COMMITTEES. 
 
 Section 1. The first named on a Committee shall act as Chair- 
 man thereof until another shall have been chosen, and all reports 
 of Special Committees must be signed by a majority, unless it be a 
 minority report. Reports of Standing Committees may be signed 
 by the Chairman only. 
 
 Sect. 2. It shall be the duty of the Chairman of all Committees 
 to call meetings and notify members of the time of assembling. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 members. 
 
 Section 1. The election of members shall be confided to the 
 Board of Directors. 
 
 Sect. 2. Every performing member shall pay into the treasury 
 the sum of tico dollars per annum, and every contributing member 
 shall pay five dollars in like manner — in addition, each performing 
 and contributing member may pay one dollar annually into the 
 treasury, which will entitle him (not being in arrears,) to vote at 
 any meeting of the Society. 
 
 Sect. 3. Any member of the Society in arrears to the amount of 
 two years contributions, or who refuses to pay the respective contri- 
 butions, shall be liable to expulsion. 
 
 Sect. 4. When a charge shall have been made against any mem- 
 ber, and a motion to expel made, such motion shall be referred to 
 the Board of Directors, who only shall take action upon it. Notice 
 shall at once be given the member against whom the charge is 
 made, of the existence of such charge, by the Secretary. 
 
 Sect. 5. Any member desiring to resign shall signify the wish 
 in writing, addressed to the Board of Directors, and pay all dues, 
 those of the current year inclusive. 
 
 Sect. 6. Seven members of the Society, assembled at a special 
 meeting, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 change of by-laws. 
 
 No alteration or amendment shall be made in these by-laws, un- 
 ess the same shall have been proposed at a meeting of the Board 
 of Directors one month previous to action being taken. 
 
^^^