AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS CENTENNIAL ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO: THE FOUNDING OF THE AGO Barbara Owen, ChM

The Roman God Janus-for whom our month of January is named-is depicted as having two faces, one looking back, tho oth­ er looking forward. Nowhere are tho symbol• ic two fa ces of )anus more in evidence thon at the end of a century. We look back and try to chronicle (and make sense oO what has gone before. But we also look forward to the next century as to a blank new page, trying to visualize and idealize tho good things we want to write on it. A new century was within sight in 1696. Thomas Edison's inventions of scarcely a decade previous wore beginning to show promise of revolutionizing communications and industry. Railroads spanned continents, speeding the travel of people and goods, but in the 1880s, Karl Benz had invented tho in· tarnal combustion engine, and during the 1890s, Henry Ford and others were patenting new methods of applying it to "horseless car­ riages." Barely a decade later, the Wright brothers would successfully adapt the en­ gine to a flying machine. The 1890s were peaceful-deceptively so. The aging Queen Victoria still sat on the throne of Groat Britain, but her grandson, Kaiser Wilhelm II, was beginning to imple­ ment dreams of empire in a recently unified Germany, and tho writings of Karl Marx wore stirring revolutionary thoughts among tho disadvantaged of Russia. Grover Cleveland was President of tho United States, strug­ gling with reasonable success to keep tho country on a secure financial basis following the Panic of 1893. In the music world, Franck and Tchaikovsky had recently died, and in 1896, Brahms sat at his piano in a sanatorium in Ischl, penning his unique dying gift to or­ ganists, the Eleven Chorale Preludes. In tho same year, Edward MacDowell was appoint­ ed to the first professorship of music at Columbia University. Tho French organ vir­ tuoso Alexandre Guilmant was making his first concert tours of the United States in the GERRIT SMITH mld-1890s, playing to sold-out audiences 1859-1912 and introducing public and organists alike to WHOSE VISION AND INITIATIVE the music of tho French Romantic school. In MADE POSSIBLE THE FOUNDING OF Paris, young Albert Schweitzer was taking organ lessons from Widor, and across the THE AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS channel in England, another youthful musi­ APRIL 13, 1896 cian, Arnold Dolmotsch, was startling audi­ ences with performances of Renaissance and Baroque music. monts with koon interest, if not always una­ ity Church, who in the 1840s began paving Among organbuilders, Cavaille-Coll and nimity of opinion. tho way for future full·time church "Father" Willis were in tho final years of Professionalism among orga nists had musicians. their long lives, and the American firms of come a long way during tho second half of Tho picture began to change during the Johnson and Jardine were about to close their the 19th century. Until tho 1850s, the typical 1850s, when a number of young American doors. Among the younger generation, there organist in tho United Stoles was either an musicians, including Dudley Buck and John was considerable interest in the inventions amateur or a musical jack-of-all-trades. It is Knowles Paine. began to go abroad to study. of Mr. Edison. In 1896, Robert Hope-Jones true that a number earned their living solely In Germany, France, and England, they met began manufacturing olectric·action organs from musical pursuits, but these were likely (and often studied with) respected organists in England, and in tho same year, young to include running a private music school. who hold important church and teaching Ernest Skinner, having developed an early directing civic or school choruses, acting as posts. They also discovered organ recitals­ version of the pitman chest, was appointed concert impresarios, and writing, publish­ not tho pastiches of oratorio transcriptions, factory superintendent at tho Hutchings firm ing, and selling music-most of it secular. vocal solos, and clumsy improvisations they in Boston. Two years later, another innova­ Playing the organ was often just one more had known at home, but real concerts during tive pioneer in electric-action design, John sideline to these musicians. One notable ex­ which music by past masters such as Bach, T. Austin, opened a factory in Hartford, Con· ception was English-trained Edward Hodges, Mendelssohn, and Rinck was heard, along necticut. Organists observed these develop- organist and choirmaster at Now York's Trin- with that of contemporary composers such

34 THE AMERICAN ORGANIST as Lemmens, Thiele, and Lefebure-Wely, earlier, in 1864, British organists had found­ discontinued in 1912. but the title of "War· and well-crafted (if often flamboyant) virtu­ ed the Royal College of Organists, possibly den" for the chief elected officer persisted oso improvisations. They wore also encour­ tho first organization to address the ad· until fairly recent times. Other founding of· aged by their teachers to compose substantial vancemont and training of a specific segment fleers wore Charles H. Morse, sub-warden; organ pieces themselves. of music professionals. Henry G. Hanchett, secretary; Walter John Successive waves of American musicians, The RCO was celebrating its 2oth anniver· Hnll, treasumr; Will C. MacfBrlano, registrar; most of them proficient on the organ, fol­ sary in 1894 when Gerrit Smith. organist of Sumner Salter, librarian; and John Spencer lowed suit in the 1860s and 1870s. Their the South Dutch Reformed Church in New Camp nnd Frank Taft. auditors. ranks included W. Eugene Thayer, Clarence York City, spent a summer in England. He The educational emphasis of the now or­ Eddy, George W. Chadwick, Goorgo E. Whit­ came in contact with organists there, and be­ ganization was immediately apparent. for ing, and Horatio Parkor; their teachers in­ came extremely interested in the RCO and its one of its first acts was to file an application cluded Rheinberger, Haupt, Reinecke, work, collecting information on the organi· for a charter to tho Board of Regents of the Schneider, Best, and other noted European zation to share with his colleagues upon his University of the State of New York. This organists and composers of the period. Like return. Among those woro Charles T. Jves, charter, nuthorizing the AGO to conduct ex­ their mentors, these musicians saw thorn­ Henry G. Hanchett, and John Hyatt Brewer. aminations and grant certificates, was grant· selves as mainstream composers who (like Smith also shared with thorn tho germ of an cd on Decembor 13, 1896. From start to fin­ Bach and Franck) happonod to play tho idea: Was it not perhaps timo for American ish, the organization and accreditation of the organ. organists to form their own national organi· AGO had tnkon scarcely eleven months, al· The introduction of substantial secular zation-ono that could educate, give oxami· though one can bo sure that those were very concert-hall organs, beginning with Boston nations. promote church music, and advance intense and active months for tho founding in 1663, gavo those musicians a bully pulpit the collective cause of its members? A few group. to proclaim to audiences at large that organ small local organists' clubs already existed As far as can be determined, tho first pub­ music, whether written by Bach or by them· in places such as Philadelphia, but their ori· lic activity of tho AGO was a sorvico hold on selves, was interesting and oven exciting. Be· entation was more social than educational, November 24, 1896, at St. Bartholomew's cause the audience's knowlodgo of "\egiti· and they had little influence. Smith's vision Church in Now York. Regular public organ malo" organ literature was not groat, was national in scope. and encompassed a recitals were shortly to follow, but tho pub­ programs included transcriptions of popular great deal more than occasional organ lic services, hold in churches of various do· classics (usually operatic ovortures, sinco recitals and high teas. opera was the current rage) as well BS sets of nominations and showcasing tho choirs di­ It would appear that Smith's colleagues variations or improvisations on familiar rected by the members. were a frequent hymns and songs. Organists may novor have supported tho concept from the outset. It is occurrence for many years. They wore held interesting to note that at this time programs achieved tho "superstar" status of operatic several times during tho year; by December divas in this period, but tho best of them did, of specific interest to organists were being in­ 9, 1897, they already numbered four, and by for a time, achiovo wide popularity with con­ corporated into the conferences of the tho 1920s they had passed the hundred mark. cert audiences, who flocked to hear thorn MTNA, and this may well have strengthened Perhaps tho lirst dilemma faced by the now play. tho conviction of tho members involved that organization was how to dofino its Founders. The organists who played in tho concort the time was ripe for an organization that ad­ Tho 33 who had attended tho meeting in halls also held church positions, tho most dressed their own unique professional April of 1896 woro dosignatod as "Founders notable of them in large churches in needs. in Fact." By December of that year, tho num­ metropolitan areas such as Boston, Now In January of 1896, a notice was placed in ber of members had grown to 112. Wore the York, and Chicago. Some also tBught in the a periodical called The Pianist, inviting cler­ additional members also Founders? And conservatories that were springing up every· gy and organists to attend a mooting on soma were oppBrently disturbed that certain where during tho 1860s and 1870s. As a ro­ Fobruary 3, 1896, in the chapel of the South of the country's most distinguished organists sull, while some organists still trnvolod Dutch Reformed Church, Now York City, "to had not yet joined, so it was docidod to do abroad to study with teachers such as Best consider the advisability of forming an some further recruiting and close the found­ and Guilmant, the generation of organists ac· American Guild of Organists." Tho notice ing membership on Docember 31, 1896. This live in the 1890s included such notables as was signed by 20 organists and 14 clergy­ must have entailed a bit of rather frenzied ac­ Arthur Foote, Henry M. Dunham, and Harry men. "Forty prominent organists of this city tivity, for as of that date the membership Rowe Shelley. whose training in music oc­ [Now Yorkl and Brooklyn" attended, accord· stood at145, and the list of Founders- those curred wholly on American soil. ing to an account in tho New York Tribune officially on titled to place tho initials" AGO" It is interesting to nolo that American or­ for February 4, 1896. These musicians en­ after their nomos- was finally closed. Many ganists and organ composers of the late 1!lth dorsed the concept of a professional organ­ noted organists joined the Guild during the century first achieved professional distinc· ists' group. called a follow·up mooting for final years of tho 19th wntury. some very lion as recitalists. But this rather quickly February 14, and began the business of orga· quickly being elected to offices in tho orgn· rubbed off onto the church music scene, nizing a "guild to advanco the cause of nization. But they wore not Founders! where many were also active. It was not long church music, to elevate tho status of church Other categories of membership specified before churches began to vio for the services organists, to obtain acknowledgment of their in the original constitution included Follows of popular organists, offering attractive position from tho authorities of the church, and Associates, both to be admitted only salaries. And those whoso earliest composi­ and to incrcBse tho responsibilities and du­ through examinations or by trans for from the tional efforts had been recital pieces soon be· ties of organists." Professional concerns Royal College of Organists. Subscribers were gan to write anthems, sacred solos, cosier or~ seem to have boon thoro right from tho non•voting members whoso privileges were gan pieces, and method books. Indeed. beginning. limited to tickets of admission to tho public Dudley Buck became so successful in tho ac· On April13, another meeting was called at meetings and services. Honorary Associates ·ing ceptanco of his compositions that he oventu· Calvary Church in New York. This was at· wore "clergymen nnd other such persons, not reb ally retired from his concert career to devote tended by 33 church musicians, and tho ox· musicians, as shall hnvo distinguishod thorn­ most of his time to church work and the com· tent of their interest in Smith's proposal is selves ... by conspicuous services in tho ad­ the position of both sacred and secular musit. shown by the fa ct that while many were from vancement of church music." Honorary can By the 1890s, tho United States could boast tho Now York area, others came from as far Members consisted of"distinguishod foreign ohn a fair number of professionally successful or~ away as Boston, Now Haven, Philadelphia, organists and musitians. " Members of the tdy. ganists who were earning a good living from and Chicago. It is obvious that Smith and his "honorary" categories wore appointed and met large churches, teaching, recital work. and colleagues had not been idle, for at this moot• had no vote. ,ists royalties on their compositions-a far t ry ing tho American Guild of Organists was for· Within tho first few years of the founding, ting from the professional status of organists 50 mally organized. another problem arose. The 145 Foundors ls­ years previous. Officers and a ~ouncil were olectod, and a were undoubtedly mombors, but none (save :ms, In 1876, tho Music Teachers' National Asy constitution- doubtless drawn up in ad ~ for five FRCOs) had taken or passed nny ex­ hey sociation had been founded, and many or· vance by Smith and his friends-was adopt· amination. Tho first AAGO examination was ring ganists were active in it. The MTNA was the od. Gerrit Smith was elected the first War­ held on October 15, 1896; it was taken by ach, first truly professional music organization in don, for the term 1896-99, and Dudley Buck three people (none of them Founders), and ong the United States, and its members como was appointed Honorary President for the two-Frank W. Chase and A.A. Spender­ uch from all musical disciplinos. Over a decade same term. The Honorary Presidency was passed. Twelve more new Associates wore

.NIST JANUARY 1996 35 admitled by examination in 1898, but al· Thus by the first decade of tho 20th centu· Martin, H. Winthrop. II History of the AGO in though the first Fellowship examination had ry. virtually all of the essential building Boston, Mass. (1905-195-1}. MSM thesis. Union been given on Juno 22, 1897, thoro wore still blot:ks of tho present-day AGO had been ce­ Seminnry, 1954. mented firmly in place: structure, nccredita· Soc also documents rcprint ~d in T11 ~ AMERICAN no new Fellows. Only one candidate appears ORGANIST in 1 !195. to have taken this examination, and he had lion. tho examinations and certificates (with flunked. R. Huntington Woodman. who be· the exception of tho ChM and CAGO), com­ AN AGO FOUNDERS TRJVIA QUIZ came Warden in 1901, finally succeeded in petitions (although playing competitions are (find the answers in the next issue) whipping up some interest in tho Fellowship of a Inter date), and chapters. Some changes How many Founders wore born in England, examination by bravely offering to take it in the political structure have occurred over and who were they? himself. Five other Founders followed his the years, often, os with tho appointment of Which Founders were born in Germany, example, along with six other organists. Tho an Executive Director, in response to growth. Austria, France, and Italy? examination was given in May of 1903, and Membership is now open to all organists, re­ Which Founder was a Canadian citizen? five of each group passed, including Wood­ gardless of whether or not they have passed How many Founders did not survive the man-but we are not told which of the nn examination. Chapters have proliferated, AGO's first year? Founders failed! One other Founder passed probably beyond tho wildest dreams of the Founders. Although all chapters sponsor How many Founders were still living at the the following year, but tho remainder were 50th Anniversary in 1946? apparently content to rest on their laurels, recitals and many hold special services, the and all future Fellows came from outside tho "official" public services, originally intend­ How many Founders won tho Clemson medal for anthem composition? Founders' circle, including the first woman ed to elevate taste in sacred music, faded Fellow, Gertrude Elizabeth McKellar, who away around the lime of World War II in the How many Founders were choirboys at Trin· passed the examination in 1904. Boston area, and had probably been discon­ ity Church in New York? Two other Guild features of long standing tinued earlier in other chapters. How many Founders wore women, and who come from the first few years of its existence. Still, tho Guild remains guided by the ba­ were they? The first competition of any kind datos from sic ideals of its founders. It is still committed Which two Founders were father and son? October of 1896, when Walter J. Clemson, to professional recognition and education; it Which two Founders wore blind? one of the Founders, proposed offering a gold still does all in its power to advance the cause of quality church music and good Which two Founders were son and grandson medal as an annual prize for "the best an· of organbuilders? them by a member of the Guild." A contest working conditions for its members. Perhaps emphases have shifted with the times. and Which Founder was an executive in the Ac· was duly announced, and in 1897. Will C .. olian Company? Macfarlane became tho first recipient of the tho present-day membership is more varied Clemson medal for his anthem, "Happy Is in its background, but tho basic philosophy Which Founder was a homeopathic the Man That Findcth Wisdom," which was holds true. And should a time-machine sud­ physician? published by H.W. Gray. denly pick up Gerrit Smith and set him down Which Founder committed suicide? Recognizing that the fledgling organiza­ in the midst of our 1996 Centennial Conven· Which Founder was the first professor of mu­ tion already had members living a consider· lion. one likes to think that oven though he sic at Harvard? might bo surprised at tho proportion of wom· able distance from New York, Sumner Salter, Which Founder also founded a school for at the first regular council meeting hold on en and minorities, and possibly appalled at organists? seeing so many people so casually dressed, May 4, 1896, proposed that members in tho would nonetheless twirl his impressive Which Founder became municipal organist Boston, Philadelphia. and Chicago orcas be ho moustache, sit down, and find congeniality of Portland, Maino? authorized "to form branches for tho further­ in tho music making and company of this lot­ Which Founder was a violinist in tho Now ance of the interests of the Guild in those lo­ tor-day multitude of colleagues. York Philharmonic? calities." These "branches" were to be tho Which Founder was editor of The Pianist first chapters. but it was not until1901 thnt A BRIEF BIBLIOGRAPHY and Organist? the first orthem was formed in Philadelphia, OF AGO HISTORY and called the Pennsylvania Chapter. This. Which Founder was mayor of a California American Guild of Organists: 50th Anniversary city? like the Fellowship examinations, was duo Year Book & Directory. New York: AGO, 1946. to the involvement of Warden Woodman. Baldwin, Samuel A. The Story of the American Which Founder composed a famous The second chapter, then called tho Now Guild of Organists. New York: H.W. Gray, 1D46. Benediction? England Chapter, was not formed until1905. _ . "Tho American Guild o£ Organists." Mu· Which Founder wrote a book on Now En­ Although centered in Boston, its member­ sica/ Quarterly, Vol. XXXII (1 946). gland psalmody? Elmer, S. Lowis. ~Tho Guild in Rotrospoct and ship was drawn from all of New England Prospect." IIGO Quar1or/y, Vol. IX. No. 3 {July Which Founder wrote a piece made famous with the exception of Connecticut, which re· 1!164). by Virgil Fox? mained in the New York circle-at that time Knight. Gcorgo Litch. "AGO GOth Anniversary.'' Which Founder submitted a theme for not ragarded as a chapter. AGO Quurter/y , Vol. I. No. 2 (April1!156). Dupre's Symp/lonie-Passion?

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36 THE AMERICAN ORGANIST