OLD HOMESTEAD 



on me. The fear of what might be going on in that line about 

 the premises did not contribute to my peace of mind or sound- 

 ness of sleep for quite a while after that. 



^ 5 ^ 



THE CHOIR — DONATIONS 



In the days of which I write church music was furnished by 

 volunteers, but the character and kind were not lowered by this 

 fact. It was considered a great honor to be selected as one of the 

 choir, and no one obtained this distinction unless he or she had 

 been through a thorough course of study and training as taught 

 in the singing schools of the day, and in addition had a good 

 natural voice, was able to read music readily and to sing any or- 

 dinary piece at sight. All my sisters were singers, and while at 

 home took part in the church music. Sister Amanda sung for 

 many years in the various choirs of the town, and later Antoin- 

 ette, my niece, who lived with us, took an active part in choir 

 matters with the younger set. There was more or less conten- 

 tion, rivalry and dispute over the music — more, even, then 

 than now, for, as none of the singers received any pay for their 

 services, they felt entirely free to express their minds about it. 



The leader of the choir was usually selected from among the 

 best tenor singers. His place was at the head of the line in the 

 front seat of the gallery, just over the preacher's head. Another 

 position that was much sought after and considered of great 

 distinction and honor was that of leading lady singer; she was 

 usually the best, or one of the best, treble singers, and choir 

 troubles were quite apt to come up when deciding upon this 

 leading soprano. It gave her a right to a place in the front 



135 



