graeme's picture

graeme

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TO ALL CLERGY

Somewhere stored among the surviving remnants of my life is a university song book. It was published for Mount Allison University about 1880 - a time when Mt. A was turning out Methodist clergy like canned beans, and when students would actually get together and sing. (I grew up in a home like that. I played the piano and the family and guests sang. So it rouses fond memories.)

You can see if  yours is one of the copies by looking up this song in it:

. "We are gay theology students"

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revjohn's picture

revjohn

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Hi Graeme,

 

I did not attend Mt. A so I seriously doubt that I have even seen the song book in question.

 

I have never even heard of the song in question.  Google is no help so far.

 

I only have one Hymn Book in my personal collection that would be contemporary to it and it is at my office at present.  It is a Hymnbook compiles by Charlse Kemble comprised mostly of hymns written by Samuel Sebastian Wesley.  I doubt it will have the tune but one never knows.

 

I'll flip through it tomorrow at the office and see.

 

Grace and peace to you.

John

seeler's picture

seeler

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Of course the word 'gay' meant something quite different in those days!

revjohn's picture

revjohn

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Not that there was anything wrong with that.

graeme's picture

graeme

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yes. It's that image of a day when people stood around a piano and sang. I often sing now. But only in the car, alone, and with the windows closed.

Actually, it was a gay clergyman in Montreal that wanted me to find the book. I really must rummage a bit.

revjohn's picture

revjohn

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How do you play the piano in your car?

 

Witch's picture

Witch

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revjohn wrote:

How do you play the piano in your car?

 

 

Hands free... of course

revjohn's picture

revjohn

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Player Piano?  

 

I should have guessed.  The spitoon in the passenger seat gives it away.

graeme's picture

graeme

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well, of course, I'm a responsible person. I never play the piano, and talk on my cell phone while I'm driving,

Can't find that book. I thought it was with my prohibition song books. but it isn't. Mt. A. library must have a copy. I'll give them a call.

ninjafaery's picture

ninjafaery

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Funny - I was just thinking that singing around a piano is one of life's true pleasures. Haven't done that for eons.
If you find that song Graeme, please share the lyrics. It sounds precious.
;)

stardust's picture

stardust

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Hi graeme

I was googling but unable to find that specific song.

I did find a bit about the song book. Good Luck!

There is an audio sampling of a few songs.

 

In the 1906 autumn semester, Ladies' College vocal culture teacher Kate Hemming compiled Mount Allison's first songbook, Mount Allison Songs, which was published in 1908. It gathered songs composed by Mount Allison students, in addition to popular selections that were favoured across campus. Mount Allison's "Alma Mater Song," written by Winthrop Pickard Bell, Class of 1904, was included in this edition.

http://www.mta.ca/threecheers/mountallisonsings01.html

graeme's picture

graeme

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Great stuff. thank you. that must be the one. I'll drop a note to MtA. I must know somebody in the history dept who could get a copy to me.

stardust's picture

stardust

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graeme

You're welcome....no charge.

graeme's picture

graeme

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I have sent a post to the director of the Mt. A. library, and expect an answer this week. On a guess, he will refer it to the university administration, which will strike a committee to study it, and pass the request on to the Atlantic mafia of UC clergy, who will assign for consideration by a national committee.

So it shouldn't take long - by church standards.

stardust's picture

stardust

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LOL@graeme....!!!!

 

Off topic but I had lots of fun reading articles from Mt. Allison 1860!

 

MONEY It is hoped that parents will not supply their daughters with much spending money, as it tends to cultivate habits of extravagance and useless self-indulgence.

 

SHOPPING Young ladies are not allowed to go shopping oftener than once in a month, and then by permission of the Preceptress, and accompanied by a teacher.

 

BOXES Parents are particularly requested not to send boxes containing fruits, confectionary and provisions, to their children, as in very many cases sickness and interruption of studies follow.

 

CHURCH ATTENDENCE Attendance at Church twice every Lord's Day is considered obligatory. Parents and Guardians are requested to specify by note the place of worship where they may wish their children or wards to attend, and if practicable their wishes will be complied with. In the absence of a written request from parents or guardians the students attend the Wesleyan Church, where free sittings are provided for them.

 

http://heritage.tantramar.com/WFNewsletter_31.html

graeme's picture

graeme

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Great stuff. Callander university (Baptist) in Moncton still fines students for each time they miss chapel. I did my MA at Acadia in the days when it was still heavily Baptist-controlled. Not an experience i would care to repeat.

BUT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a copy of the song "We are gay Mount Allison students" - words and music.

Now, I just have to figure out how to send it to you so we can all sing it together.

stardust's picture

stardust

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graeme

Great fun smiley...!

 

You can't send the music (  maybe  you can play your  cyberspace piano...? )  but you can type out the words to the song right here on a post....?

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