Matters, Chiefly Architectural, Relating to the Accommodation of the Organ in Churches and Other Buildings

Extract

A few months ago I had the pleasure of meeting your distinguished member, Sir John Stainer, at the breakfast table in the principal hotel in Cambridge; and in the most natural manner possible our conversation drifted into the subject of Organs. As a matter of consequence, seeing that I am a member of the architectural profession. Sir John Stainer feelingly enlarged on the only too obvious snort-comings of modern architects in all matters relating to the accommodation of organs in churches. Perhaps to his surprise he found in his listener a warm supporter in every word of condemnation he uttered, and, indeed, if I remember rightly, I used even stronger language than he, doubtless through kindliness of feeling if not through a certain respect for my calling, ventured to give expression to. Well, it is to this little incident that I have to attribute the kind invitation to occupy my present position to-day, and the honour and privilege of addressing you on a subject of no little interest to all lovers of church music.