The choir is an important part of our worship particularly at this time of the year but things were done slightly differently nearly 100 years ago!
19 May 1916 – Resignation of paid chorister Miss Joyce Bell. It was agreed to make a renewed effort at strengthening the choir by voluntary assistance. There was a difficulty however in securing ladies who would attend choir and practices regularly. It was agreed that as a matter of ‘patriotism and necessary economy the services of the second chorister be replaced by voluntary help until the end of the war’.
27 May 1916 – No voluntary help secured but the temporary paid soprano was asked to stay on. She was paid 4/= (4 shillings) (€23) per Sunday for Morning Service.
18 January 1918 – Still considering the position of paid soprano. Temporary soprano resigned. Salary of paid alto chorister increased to £18pa (€1,100).
11 June 1929 – Offer received from a ‘friend of the church’ to pay the salaries of two choristers for five years. Offer gratefully accepted.
23 May 1930 – New chorister Miss Olive Buchanan of Rathmines appointed at £21pa (€1,504).
26 July 1934 – Money to pay the choristers nearly exhausted so their services were dispensed with at the end of December.
With thanks to the RCB where the minute books are held.