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50 The National Music of America.
" 1762. The parish voted that those who had learned the art of singing may have liberty to sit in the front gallery. They did not take the liberty.
" 1780. The parish requested Jonathan Chaplin, Jr., and Lieutenant Spafford to assist Deacon Daniel Spafford in raising the tune in the Meeting house.
"1785. The parish desire the singers, both male and female, to sit in the gallery, and will allow them to sing once upon each Lord's day without reading by the deacon.'1'1 (" History of Rowley," p. 93.)
The last sentence explains why the singers rejected the first proposal; they were evidently opposed to the " lining-out" system.
"1773. The seats for the choir were designated by the First Parish in Ipswich, being two back on each side of the front alley." (" History of Ipswich.")
A similar provision was made at the Hamlet (now called Hamilton, Mass.) in 1764, in Chebacco in 1788,1 and the custom was soon imitated by many other parishes. Worcester came into line in 1770-1773. A final combat on the " lining-out" question took place here |
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1 Felt's " History of Ipswich." |
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