THE CATHEDRAL CHOIR
The painstaking training of choristers, and the resultant excellent singing in Christ Church had been, from the very beginning, of a very high standard, having regard as a purpose the building of a model for the other churches and the choice of organists had been from the rank and file of men whose ideas had always towered higher than those of the generality of organists in other churches, and which had enabled them not only to keep abreast of the time, but also to keep the standard of efficiency constantly in focus.
It is believed, in fact it is so recorded, that the first organist of Christ Church was Mr. R. A. Coker, who entered the ministry in later years, and after years of faithful service, departed this life on February 9th, 1920. At the beginning of his career, and just before his appointment as organist, he was sent to England to improve his knowledge of music in order to form a good choir suitable for Christ Church which would be able to sing in a manner worthy of being regarded as a model by the other churches.
The first Choir under Mr. Coker was composed of boys and girls, and the harmonium them in use, specially built for the tropics by Chappell & Co. of London, costing £155, was the gift of one of the parishioners. This harmonium was in use for about twenty-six years (up to 1895) and was eventually transferred to St. Peter's Faji Church, Ajele Street, when a new one was presented to Christ Church.
The following is a list of the first Choristers and officers of the Choir:
R. A. Coker Organist & Choirmaster William Mason Treasurer Isaac S. John Secretary
Alfred B. Simpson Sarah Williams Joseph Lewis Benjamin Macaulay Jacob Thomas Benjamin T. Coker Nathan Marsh Josiah J. Ransome Emmanuel Daniel Joseph G. Kuye Jeremiah Grillo Josiah Leigh Emmanuel Coker William Titler Samuel H. Williams Enoch D. Tambanki Sikanah J. Allen Phebe S. Adefunke
The first Choir was later reorganized during the ministry of Rev. Hamlyn who withdrew the young ladies and replaced them with boys and young men. He provided them with surplices and erected choir stalls at the east end of the church.
It is believed, in fact it is so recorded, that the first organist of Christ Church was Mr. R. A. Coker, who entered the ministry in later years, and after years of faithful service, departed this life on February 9th, 1920. At the beginning of his career, and just before his appointment as organist, he was sent to England to improve his knowledge of music in order to form a good choir suitable for Christ Church which would be able to sing in a manner worthy of being regarded as a model by the other churches.
The first Choir under Mr. Coker was composed of boys and girls, and the harmonium them in use, specially built for the tropics by Chappell & Co. of London, costing £155, was the gift of one of the parishioners. This harmonium was in use for about twenty-six years (up to 1895) and was eventually transferred to St. Peter's Faji Church, Ajele Street, when a new one was presented to Christ Church.
The following is a list of the first Choristers and officers of the Choir:
R. A. Coker Organist & Choirmaster William Mason Treasurer Isaac S. John Secretary
Alfred B. Simpson Sarah Williams Joseph Lewis Benjamin Macaulay Jacob Thomas Benjamin T. Coker Nathan Marsh Josiah J. Ransome Emmanuel Daniel Joseph G. Kuye Jeremiah Grillo Josiah Leigh Emmanuel Coker William Titler Samuel H. Williams Enoch D. Tambanki Sikanah J. Allen Phebe S. Adefunke
The first Choir was later reorganized during the ministry of Rev. Hamlyn who withdrew the young ladies and replaced them with boys and young men. He provided them with surplices and erected choir stalls at the east end of the church.
