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Show m. ww the m PRESIDENT OF TI TIBEMCHi W. M. McKay was last. night named to succeed Willard Scowcroft as president presi-dent of the Ogden Tabernacle choir. Mr. Scowcroft's resignation came as a matter of great regret to those interested inter-ested in the choir", 'but all feel . they are to be congrarulti'd on the selection selec-tion of such a worthy successor. Mr. Scowcroft has served as "president "presi-dent continuously since 1906, when he succeeded President Lewis W. Shurt-liff, Shurt-liff, founder of the chojr. He stated last night that he keenly regretted that business necessitated his resignation. He said the work he had done as president presi-dent was one of tho most enjoyablo experiences of his life. He felt that, inasmuch as business called him away so much, he was doing an Injustice to Director JosephBallantyne in being forced to neglect his duties as the choir's administrative head. "My labors in connection with Director Di-rector Ballanlyne, Manager Ross for the interests of the choir," he said, "have been most pleasant and we have always had tho full support and encouragement en-couragement of the three presidencies in keeping our singers together. I consider con-sider professor Ballantyne one of the. best directors in the country, in fact, second to none, .and it is well worth the time of the choir members to attend at-tend the rehearsals and church services, serv-ices, I desire to encourage you f.o continue con-tinue the work that has made the choir a credit to the city, the church, the state and the nation. I know that you have achieved this recognition and I was one oif the proudest men in the country when, on our1 tour to California, Califor-nia, I heard many splendid , compliments compli-ments of your work from some of the biggest men in the country. I thank you for your support during my term as president of the choir and my heart will always be with you in your work." The New President. After the rehearsal last evening, the name of Mr. McKay was presented for the position as president, by President Bluth of North Weber Stake. It was a 'complete surprise to the members of the choir, but Mr. McKay was unanimously unan-imously accepted by them. President McKay has been connected connect-ed with the choir for the past fifteen years. He loves the work and has always al-ways been one of the leaders in all undertakings of the great body of singers. sing-ers. It Is felt that his enthusiasm will be felt In a greater future for the choir. Director Joseph Ballantyne concluded conclud-ed the meeting with a few remarks expressing ex-pressing his deep appreciation of the work of the retiring president. "We have worked in absolute har- mi.pi L. ,. .i i ,i - money for more than eight years," he stated, "and Mr. Scowcroft has been a great strength to me and the choir. I deeply regret to lose him and I know that wo all will remember his good work for us, particularly In the great undertaking that gave us our tour of California and tho recognition gained thereby. Our new president, I have every confidence, will fill the position well. He has always been one of the most interested members of the choir and in hearty accord with the purpose of our organization." |