Music And Musical Instruments In Masonic Meetings.

and all the Sons of God shouted for joy . Very early in the history of man musical instruments were introduced . Jubal , the sixth from Cain , is saicl to be the " father of all such as handle the harp and organ . " After Moses had led the children of

Israel across the Red Sea , Miriam took a timbrel in her hand , and all the women went out after her with timbrels and dances . Ancl Miriam said unto them , " Sing ye unto the Lord , for he 5 ath triumphed gloriously . " . Here we have the first

specimen of lyric poetry , rendered more majestic and beautiful by the melody and harmony of music . After this we find there Avere four thousand Levites in the Tabernacle , divided into twenty-four courses , or choirs , with two hundred ancl

eightyeight leaders . King Solomon was also a lover of the liberal arts , and knew how to appreciate music . At the dedication of the Temple there were at least fifty thousand singers , besides instruments of music , such as cornets , psalteries , harps , cymbals , and trumpets . How Avonderful ancl magnificent must have been the chorus of such a multitude of

select singers , yes , select and trained , for they were chosen ancl set apart for that special purpose . While we profess to imitate King Solomon in his love for the liberal arts , we must confess that we come far short in our devotion to music . As Masons

we have not given that attention to music that our cause demands . This may be accounted for in various ways . In the first place , we have had but little music adapted to the working of the degrees in our Order . Most of the songs which have been used are street

songs , the associations of which are repulsive to good taste , ancl beneath the dignity of our Ritual . Indeed , it has seemed like sacrilege to use the name of Deity in connection with them . We have no objection to lively , cheerful music , or to comic songs in their

appropriate place , but on all occasions music must be adapted to the sentiment , in order to bo effective . Then again , we have had but very few books with music and Masonic odes arranged for working the degrees in the loclge room . It was for the purpose of meeting this want that the " Masonic Choir " was

issued a little more than a year ago , ancl which has been introduced into the Grand Lodge , and most of the subordinate lodges in this jurisdiction . This hook is purely a Masonic music book , containing the best Masonic odes , and a choice selection of those

grand old tunes from Mozart , Handel , Haydn , Zundel , Zuner , Mason , Bradbury , & c ., arranged for male voices . i If you want an illustration of the beautiful effect of music in a Masonic meeting , go into St . Andrew ' s Lodge some evening , where music is an

indispensable part of the ceremony . Every brother lias a book , ancl in opening and closing , as well as in working the degrees , all unite in singing some ode appropriate to the occasion ; and they sing most gloriously . In Mt . Lebanon Lodge , a few evenings since , we heard the Scripture lesson r for the first

degree chanted by four voices in a most beautiful and impressive manner . In nearly every lodge in the city there is a new and lively interest in

. And now a word in regard to musical instruments . An organ is certainly the best instrument for Masonic purposes . There are but few lodges that can afford to go to the expense of procuring a pipe organ , and but few lodge rooms can afford the space that such

an instrument would require . Reed organs have been brought to such perfection that they are really superior to the small pipe organs ; ancl the prices of these instruments are within the means of almost any loclge . S . D . & H . W , Smith's "American

Organs" are used in many lodges in and about Boston , and , so far as we can learn , they give universal satisfaction . The Grand Lodge procured one of Bro . Smith's organs for Masonic Hall , which has been pronounced by one of the best organists in

the country an instrument of wonderful power and beauty . These organs are free from that monotonous , buzzing sound , which attaches to many reed instruments , ancl have a fullness , richness , and brilliancy of

tone rarely surpassed by any musical instrument . This enterprising- firm are constantly making improvements , and they have recently introduced a new element of power , consisting of a " super octave coupler , and one ancl a half octaves of deep sub-bass notes , acted on by the keys ad lib . " This , with the

reverberating sound-box , or wind-chest , gives their instruments a superior organ tone . At tho dedication of the new ancl elegant Masonic Hall in Cambridge , a short time since , we had the pleasure of hearing one of these improved organs . The deep sub-bass

completely filled this large and spacious hall , ancl yet the other parts blended in beautiful harmony , producing th © most pleasing effect upon the ear . These few lines have been penned for the purpose of calling the attention of the lodges to the

importance of music , ancl the increased facilities wo have for appropriating this element of power to the good of Masonry . May every heart and voice be lifted up in the anthems of praise to Him who rules and reigns on high .

" There let the pealing organ Mow , To the full-voiced choir below , In service high , and anthems clear , As may with sweetness , through mine ear , Dissolve me into ecstacies , And bring all heaven before mine eyes . "