19th century music — Two new church organs

A new organ constructed in Boston for the Episcopal Church of the Messiah arrived in Glens Falls the evening of Nov. 26, 1869, the Warren County Times reported.

“Its cost is reported to be $1,600 (the equivalent of $35,393 in 2023 dollars) and represented to be one of the finest instruments of that size ever sent from that city.”

Also in Glens Falls, St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church paid $6,000 — the equivalent of $137,789 in 2023 dollars — for an organ for its new sanctuary, the Warren County Times reported on June 7, 1870.

“It will not be placed in the building until the walls have had ample time to set.”

In other 19th century music news collection from historic newspapers of the region:

• The bands were bonding.

“The Corinth Cornet Band received an invitation from the Luzerne Cornet to accompany them on an excursion to Round Lake in the near future. They will no doubt accept,” The Morning Star of Glens Falls reported on July 26, 1890

• Glens Falls neighbors had no objection to this music.

“The Harvard Quartet and Wulf Fries, America’s greatest cellist, are guests of W.F. Bissell, 58 Park Street, and the air has responded with sweet music which is greatly enjoyed by residents of that locality and passersby,” The Morning Star reported on Aug 5, 1890. “The famous musicians have found congenial company.”

Their concert a several day later got a rave review.

“Wulf Fries excelled himself and the Harvard Quartet never did more effective work. … They have afforded us very great enjoyment in a wholesome way — a way that enables, not lowers,” The Morning Star reported on Aug. 11.

• “The St. Mary’s Orchestra (of Glens Falls) are intending to purchase new uniforms soon,” The Morning Star reported on Aug. 11, 1890. “They will be rich and tasty and nothing ‘flashy’ will enter into their composition.”

The musicians were set to wear the new uniforms for a festival Aug. 26 at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church at Sandy Hill, now Hudson Falls.

“The uniforms are of dark green broadcloth, cut in Prince Albert style, and eloquently trimmed with bullion cord,” The Morning Star reported on Aug. 19. “Combination plates and epaulettes surmount the shoulders. … The uniform is, by far, one of the handsomest ever brought into this part of the community, and the boys are simply delighted with it.”

• The glee club was back together again.

“The Glens Falls Glee Club, which has been resting on its oars for the past year, owning to the absence of H.E. Floyd, has again taken up its work, greatly to the delight of those who have heard them in the past,” The Morning Star reported on Oct. 1, 1890. “They have been invited to attend the banquet at the Collins House tomorrow evening given by the Rochester Clothing Company.”

• Professor DuMichael, guest organist, and members of The Cathedral Choir of Albany would present a recital for the dedication on Dec. 2 of the new pipe organ at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Sandy Hill, now Hudson Falls, The Morning Star of Glens Falls reported on Nov. 17, 1890.

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