24th February 2025

‘Oh, to be in tune!’

Recently the piano in our sanctuary was found to be out-of-tune due to the underfloor heating; it now stands on a heat-deflecting mat. This reminded me of another out-of-tune piano that had been at the Tyndale Mission – centre for the church’s work in the city’s poorest quarter between the Cathedral and the Docks – and moved to the Mission’s Men’s Club. This from the church magazine for 1905:

“We need a Piano for our Men’s Club, the old instrument we now have was useless at the Mission, and therefore we were allowed it, consequently when visitors come to sing, and our own members desire to brighten an hour or two, most uncomplimentary remarks are passed, and holding bright musical evenings is a moral impossibility. Is there not a good Piano somewhere (that belonged to some dear one who has now gone to dwell with the angels) that is seldom touched, that could be given to brighten the lives of those struggling against drink and temptation, struggling to rise to a nobler and purer manhood? The Public-house is made attractive, music is provided; now if music is required for those whose heads are muddled with drink, how much more is it needed by those whose brains are clearer, but who are often depressed because of slackness of work, and the struggle to do right and live right. One good Piano at our Club will brighten hundreds of people during one season alone. Is there not someone just waiting to render this service to humanity and to God in memory of some beloved life, and for His sake?”

Dave Bell