Singing in Our Churches

We are in full sympathy with arrangements which are made for special music in connection with our church services. We enjoy listening to those who have a special talent for song, and whose hearts and voices have been consecrated to the service of God. We believe that it would be an excellent thing for all our churches to arrange for special music, such as solos and quartets, just as far as such talent can be developed. Particularly we believe that special encouragement should be afforded to the young people in our church to develop their talent for music in these ways.

It is to be regretted, however, that in the rendering of sacred songs there is so great a tendency at the present time in the world around us to give more attention to displaying the musical ability of the singer than to the clear and effective rendering of the sentiment of the songs. There are those, we are glad to say, who can sing not only beautifully and effectively, but so clearly that the full expression of the song may be understood. We should encourage this class of singing in our religious assemblies. But while we encourage the development of special musical talent, let us seek also to encourage as far as possible congregational singing. Singing praises to God is a part of divine worship, and the whole congregation should be encouraged to take part in this exercise. The singing in many of our churches could be greatly improved if some brother or sister who is competent to lead in singing could be encouraged to take this part. We do not need church choirs as greatly as we need competent leadership. A good leader will do much in developing the spirit and quality of denominational singing.