Mexborough & Swinton Times, November 19th 1886
Service of song
In aid of the Denaby Sunday schools a service of sacred song was given in the school room on Monday evening, entitled “Little Abe,” popularly known as “the Bishop of Berry Brown.”
The choir consisted of about 60 voices, chiefly from the Sunday school, assisted by an efficient string band. The attendance was large, many of the visitors being unable to obtain seats.
Mr W. H. Chambers, of Conisborough, presided. Mr M. Soar, who conducted, had complete control over the choir, and performed his duties in a very able manner. Miss Loughton presided at the organ. Mr C. Kilner rendered the connective readings, which are highly pleasing, in a manner which elicited great amusement. The service consisted of full choruses, quartets, etc., and the instrumentalists and vocalists each performed their duty in a becoming style.
The quartet, “I will never leave Thee,” was rendered fairly creditably, the performers keeping together in perfect harmony. The soprano possessed a clear and strong voice, each word being easily audible. Among the other choruses were “Perseverance,” “Substitution,” “Jesus, thou art my friend,” and “Keep on praying.” “Praise the Lord” was a speciality.
All through the service great interest was manifested in the proceedings by the audience, who appeared to thoroughly enjoy themselves. Votes of thanks to Mr Chambers for presiding, to the reader, and others who took part in the proceedings, terminated the service. The proceeds amounted to £6.