Vol.VI No.III Pg.8
May 1969

Stuff About Things

Robert F. Turner

One preacher says, Twenty years ago the brethren studied their Bibles and gave a reason for their hope. They wouldnt put up with the Tomfoolery of our modern day. Another preacher says, fifty years ago, and a third says, one hundred years ago. All of which proves that preachers differ in age. What they really mean is back before my time all was well. In reality, all has never been well, even in the first century.

Writing the article on Worshipful Singing (pp. 4) recalled a conversation I once had with bro. C. R. Nichol about such. We discussed the extremes to which more liberal congregations were going even then; and bro. Nichol said we must not conclude that all past days were good old days.

He told of being at a place for a meeting; and when the song leader announced a certain song he heard much shifting and rustling of feet, and looked back to see people moving about in the auditorium. One lady went to the back, and stood quietly in the corner. A young man came to the front and went out through a dressing room door. Bro. Nichol was disturbed by this movement, and asked a nearby brother for an explanation.

Oh, the song that was called is a special number, he was told. The bass voices, the tenor, and the alto, are getting together to better sing their parts.

But what about the woman at the back? bro. Nichol inquired.

That is sister _____, came the reply. She sings a beautiful contralto part, and goes to the back so that her special section of the song will be distinct.

And the young man that left the auditorium? bro. Nichol asked, with misgivings.

Bro. __________doesnt have a good singing voice, he was told. He is going back there to whistle in the baptistry.

It was a real production! bro. Nichol assured me; and I feel certain it was that — a real production!! HAVE WE LEARNED MUCH IN FIFTY YEARS??

Yes indeed! The electronic P.A. system makes a better resonator for humming (or whistling?) than the baptistry, and parts are already together in a chorus (or choir).