Masonic Concert at Randalstown
Masonic Concert at Randalstown is an article published in The Northern Whig on 22 january 1900.
The poem The Groom's Story written by Arthur Conan Doyle in 1898, was recited by Mr. W. Murphy on 19 january 1900.
Article
A grand Masonic concert under the auspices of Shane's Castle Masonic Lodge No. 539 was held on Friday night in the Parochial Schoolroom, Randalstown. The programme was all that could be desired, and the manner in which the various selections were rendered reflected credit upon all concerned. The announcement that the Right Hon. Lord O'Neill, of Shane's Castle — who takes a deep interest in the Masonic charities, to which the proceed will be devoted — was to preside, together with the object of the concert, might be taken as the cause of the crowded attendance, nobwithstanding the extreme cold. His Lordship was accompanied on the platform by Lady O'Neill, who is also well known for the hearty assistance she is willing at all times to give to any philanthropic movement. The programme was opened by a duet, "The Battle Eve," by Messrs. W. M'Letchie and J. Allen. Miss Emilie Heaney sang "The Valley by the Sea" in a manner that seemed a hearty recall, and she responded with "Nobody Else." Later on she sang "Daddy, Goodnight," and also appeared with Mr. M'Letchie in the duet "Home to our mountains," Mr. M'Letchie's patriotic solo "Let me like a soldier fall" and "My Dreams" both received well-merited applause. Mr. W. Murphy received a hearty encore for his rendering of the recital "The Groom's Story" (Conan Doyle), to which he responded with "The Absent-Minded Beggar." He was equally successful with "The Ballord of the Clampherdown" (Rudyard Kipling), and in reply to an imperative encore he gave "Jock Tamson at the Fair and Menagerie." Mr. James Allen's songs "The Girl of My Heart" ("Greek Slave") and "Queen of the Earth " (Pinsuti) were well received and heartily applauded. For her rendering of "The Swallows" (Cowen), Miss B. Gordon received an imperative recall, and she responded with "Lullaby," and in the second part she sang "Sweet Isle of Ulva" (Temple), which was loudly applauded. Mr. W. Livingstone's humorous sketches caused a considerable amount of amusement, and on both occasions he was obliged to respond to hearty encores. This concluded the programme, and in proposing a vote of thanks Mr. James P. Butler, J.P., referred to the kindness of Lord and Lady O'Neill in attending the concert; also to the fact of their son, the Hon. Arthur O'Neill, being at present engaged in South Africa. He hoped the war would speedily be brought to an end, and that he would come back to them safe. Mr. A. Nimmon seconded. The resolution was passed by acclamation, and, in replying, Lord O'Neill said it always afforded her Ladyship and himself much pleasure in being with them, and thanked them very heartily for the sympathy erpressed with them and others who had relatives in the war. (Applause.) The singing of the National Anthem brought the proceedings to a close. The accompaniments were gracefully played by Miss K. Webb.
