Atlanta Daily World

RECITAL HIGHLIGHTS ORGAN DEDICATION AT ALLEN TEMPLE

By JOEL W. SMITH

A recital by Leonard R. Ballou, college organist and member of the Music Department of Alabama State College, highlighted the dedication of the new $25,000 three-manual Wicks Organ, Friday night, at historic Allen Temple AME Church, Rev. T. M. Greene, pastor.

The impressive dedication and organ recital which, also featured the well-trained Allen Temple Choir, was under the direction of Dr. Frederick D. Hall, head of the Music Department of Alabama State College and a member of Allen Temple.

DEDICATORY SERMON TODAY

The dedicatory services will be concluded today with Bishop Sherman L. Greene, presiding bishop of the Sixth Episcopal District of the AME Church, preaching the dedicatory sermon.

An overflow audience was on hand for the dedication which opened with "Great And Marvelous," an anthem by the Allen Temple Choir with Dr. Hall, conductor and Mrs. Mary Shy Scott, accompanist.

Also participating in the dedicatory service were Rev. Green, Dr. Hall and Maurice C. Bradley, who made the presentation on behalf of the Allen Temple Board of Trustees.

AUDIENCE SPELLBOUND

Mr. Ballou held the audience spellbound as he displayed his mastery of massive new organ. It was a rare combination of an accomplished musician performing on an extraordinary organ.

The gifted organist concluded his first group of numbers with "Allegro Maestoso," an excerpt from the "Water Music" Suite by George Frederick Handel. His clear, sharp, penetrating tones gave the audience a preview of what was to follow.

Then came the moving strains of Handel's Concerto No. 2 in B Flat Major (Opus 4, No. 2); Krebs Toccata And Fugue in E Major; followed by Chorale-Prelude: Rejoice Now, Christians and Fantasia and Fugue in G Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach.

HYMNS AND SPIRITUALS

Mr. Ballou also included a group of hymns and spirituals, with special arrangements for the organ. These numbers were: "Dear Lord And Father of Mankind;" "I Need Thee Every Hour," "Lord I Want To Be A Christian," "There Is A Balm In Gilead" and "O God Our Help In Ages Past."

In making the presentation on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Bradley told the large audience: "It is with deep humility and great pride that we dedicate this organ to the glory of God."

MARKS A NEW ERA

"The dedication of this new organ marks the beginning of an era of greater music and of greater service." Dr. Hall said as he expressed the gratitude of the pastor, officers and members of Allen Temple to all who helped them in the realization of their dream.

Dr. Hall also presented the Allen Temple organists, including: Miss Jesse M. Jones, Miss Helen M. Toliver, Mrs. Ekra Manago and (Continued on Page 4 Column 7)

GIFTED MUSICIAN IN RECITAL AS ALLEN TEMPLE DEDICATES ORGAN—Shown above at the console of the new $25,000 three-manual Wicks organ at Allen Temple AME Church is Leonard R. Ballou, gifted musician and instructor in Organ, Theory and Integrated Arts at Alabama State College. He was presented in recital Friday night before an appreciative audience as the organ was dedicated by the pastor, Rev. T. M. Greene. Highlighting Mr. Ballou's program were the works of Handel, Bach, Liszt, and a group of hymns and spirituals. Also featured on the program was the well-trained Allen Temple Choir, conducted by Dr. Frederick D. Hall, head of the Music Department of Alabama State College. —(Photo by Perry.)
Recital Highlights
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Mrs. Mary Shy Scott.
The beautiful three-manual Wicks organ, the result of an extended series of conferences which began on August 3, 1953, is the third organ in the 72-year history of Allen Temple.
"Recognizing the need for an organ to enrich the worship services the members of Allen Temple secured their first organ between 1883 and 1886. Purchased around 1912, Allen Temple's second organ was used continuously for a period of more than 42 years.