Article on a misunderstanding at Christ Church

“On Sunday afternoon the regular ritualistic services in Christ Church, on Fifth-avenue, were varied by the occurrence of a very novel, and to all apperances quite unexpected incident. In the midst of the ceremonies, which are almost exclusively musical, and require the consistant use of the organ—while the choir were engaged in singing the third verse of a hymn, the organ suddenly ceased playing, and remained silent throughout the rest of the services.

“It appears that for some months past Mr. Jerome Hopkins has been acting as organist of Christ Church, according to a contract made with him by the pastor, Rev. Dr. Ewer, and some difference of opinion and clash of action between the two has lately existed.The former claims that the latter gentleman has employed unsuitable persons as singers, which, of course, occasions a great deal of discord in the music, and in the relations between the chancel and the organ loft.

“Mr. Hopkins explains the affair of Sunday thus: While playing one of his finest interludes between the verses of the hymn in question, and before he had given the signal, the untutored choir rudely broke out into singing the next verse, which was in a different key, and altogether out of time and pitch from the strains of the interlude. Mr. Hopkins, therefore, gathering up his music, left the clergy and worshipers to proceed as best they could.”