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Show nit mm; AN VUII1K. How difficult it is to write the history of the present. So much of passion and prejudice enter into the criticism of contemporaneous actors and institutions institu-tions that not until time rolls the present pres-ent into tho long-drawn shadows of the I past can ma,i be siillic.enlly geuerous J to be truly jut. When tleeting years 1 snail give a retrospective view of tho Utah of today, and when surceass of strife aud bitterness shall have placated and pacified our judgments, there ar. two phases of tho mormon regime that will enlist tho interest aud admiration of the historian. Due is the architectural architec-tural instinct; the other the musical genius of thenti people. As to architecture, it is remarkable that a people incessantly stigmati.ed as ignorant and uncultured should build maguiticcnt churches and temples wherein to consecrate aud dignify their devotions. iN'ot ouly does tho architectural archi-tectural impulse run iu the line of religious re-ligious conaecratiou, but it also displays dis-plays itself in the splendid residences and grounds that give evidence of the thrift and taste of many mormon citizens. citi-zens. It is true that half the millions pent in churches and temples might well hiiva Iihou invivit' ii ia aildltional sctiool houses nnl colleges-, but tliia 1'onsibie siiirDilumiit unit improvemeot of tho program int! clmuld not blind us to fair api rebonsiou of tha potency, sincerity rihI solemnity of tho religious (orvor that be'ct otioli a broad and generous consscration of labor and treasure. in respect of the musical genius of this people, it Is uo exaggeration to say that the seuse of harmony and melody as a vehicle lor tha incitement ahd expression ex-pression of religious sentimeuts is more highly developed in the mormon churches aud tabernacles of Utah ttian among any of the older sectarian organizations. or-ganizations. Not to mention the widely renowned four hundred choristers of iSalt Lake City, we cite a less known but equally well drilled and meritorious class of singers who compose the tab-eruaclo tab-eruaclo choir of Logan. The lirst thiug that impresses the visitor is the marked degree of approciation that is exhibited by every one of tho large audience of for or live hundred in attendance. There is an art and inspiration in the choral service, and each attendant is uplifted on the wings of the sacred melody. mel-ody. The instrumental accompaniment accompani-ment a rich toned organ yields in volume just stillicient to shade and temper tem-per the vocal symphony, thus obviating the great fault shown frequently ia thu dispiay of powerful instruments whore-by whore-by the outbreaking of the soul in vocal language is obscured and overpowered. The choir in the aggregate numbers from sixty to seventy, aud more than half the number are usually present. They give evidence of thorough drill and skilful management. Each voice contributes an added melody, and the whole united exhibits a harmony that is both charming and inspiring. The leader's guidaaco is unobtrusive, yet it furnishes the formula of timo and pitch which every voire in the choir makes audible. It is concert, har-mouy. har-mouy. melody; noir , the breeze wafting to our oars the gorgeous gor-geous souud of many waters; now t!iu imparsioned outcry of admiration and applause; anon the plaint of sorrow sor-row iu mnliled tones of tearful woe; again the gentler pathos of chastened hope; then joy with her merry bells ringing out in the pearly sunshine; uow love with her placid wings bathing the soul in infinite peace; uow faar with her hauntiug shadows converting the world into a vengeful tribunal; now final triumph when all the chimes of heaven join iu chorus with the music of the spheres, thu eternal anthem and the boiis of God all shout for joy. I It is foreign from our purpose to make invidious comparisons, but it is due to til 1 such choirs as that at Logan to say that th;ir performances are I more inspiring and educatory, and that thuir melody and h.trmony are more adapted to tho end sought to be at-taiaed at-taiaed by rhythmical worship than the extreme, operatio methods attempted by many oilier roligionists who pride j thmosoWf oa thnir weall.i f.'.ul culture j nn,.l doctrinal purity. Wo shimlil be pltiased to pat ticu'.;irie on the pi?rsun-tel pi?rsun-tel of the Logan choir, hut pan only intuition a few of the singers. Ai.f.xa n-hf.k n-hf.k 1. t:vts is the ai-complishad leadur, Mkli.ik Harris organist, and a fr-w i f ! tint principal sinners are I.-akummj Ma r i kk.-.i.v, Jani: Vn.i.Kr, Annie I.. Cowley, Maktiia Bkncii, Nancv ,sam-(ikkatx, ,sam-(ikkatx, Annie Tooxiiis, Ki t iK I'ei.i., Maktiia Cakum.k, Uaviu Lewis, John Wilson, Waltek Samokeaux, Jo n it P. Smith. Wm. Pai.iikh, Joskth MoUKKLL, liKN.l. WlLMOKE, JolIX Thomas and lifty-thrt'e others. Of course such a choir has regular meetings, meet-ings, givi!S patient attention to instructions instruc-tions and strifes earnestly for perfection. perfec-tion. I'.s services are a vital factor in tho church, lifo and prosperity of th Mormon congregation at Logan. |