Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 170, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 July 1911 — Didn’t Know How. [ARTICLE]

Didn’t Know How.

It Is said that once when Reginald de Koven was touring the country he found himself in the town of Dayton on Sunday. They told Mr. De Koven that an Episcopal church in the neighborhood had a superb organ. Accordingly, he went to that church, ascended the organ loft and sat beside the organist during the morning’s service. “You seem to know something about music," said the organist, In a condescending way. “I’ll let you dismiss the congregation if you like.” “Why, yes,” said Mr. De Koven, "1 would like that very much.” Accordingly, at the end of the recessional, he exchanged places with the organist and began to play Mendelssohn’s “Spring Song.” He played beautifully. The Dayton people, enthralled by the wonderful music, refused to depart. They sat in rapt enjoyment, and after the “Spring Song” was finished Mr. De Koven began something of Chopin. Suddenly a heavy hand was laid on his shoulder and he was pushed off the music stool. “You can’t dismiss a congregation,” said the organist, impatiently; “watch and see how soon I’ll get them out.”