Soon other instruments found their way into the Society, and an orchestra was formed composed of 2 violins, cornet, bass-viol and piano. Some years later another orchestra was organized comprising 2 violins, a cornet, cello, 2 saxophones, drum and cymbals and pipe-organ and piano. This orchestra was under the direction of Professor Nevers of Concord, N. H., who also directed the well-known Nevers Band of Concord. The Society at Sabbathday Lake, also formed a small, but fine, orchestra. Indeed every Society made the study of music a part of their educational life. On special days such as Easter and Christmas, the members arranged concerts, at which time they presented selections from Standard Cantatas, such as Gaul’s Holy City, Handel’s Messiah, Haydn’s Creation, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, etc., plus many choruses of our original composition. On Christmas morning the young people greeted the family, as they assembled for breakfast, with a beautiful Christmas Carol. One especially impressive and original arrangement, was called “The Celestial Choir”. As the family assembled for breakfast a small group of singers, started singing on the attic stairs, and, as they descended, others joined them on each loft, resulting in a full chorus of voices, as they approached the lower hall, after which they joined the family in a well-prepared Christmas breakfast. God’s gift of Music has always played a most important part in the life of the Maine Societies. The library of the family at Sabbathday Lake reflects the breadth and richness of Shaker musical tradition. Not only does the collection contain the earliest known Shaker musical manuscript dated 1802, but it serves as a guide to the musical history not only in Maine, but of all the other Societies. In some manuscripts, hauntingly beautiful melodies, in a minor key, written over 175 years ago, before the gathering of the Societies in Gospel order, mingle with the impassioned and moving hymns, given under inspiration, by the Holy Spirit. In discussing Maine Shaker music we cannot pass over the name of Otis Sawyer who for nearly fifty years served the Cause of Christ; first as Elder of the family at Poland Hill, later as Elder of the Church Family at Sabbathday Lake and finally as Spiritual Head of the Maine Ministry. Elder Otis is responsible not only for the words and music of countless lovely hymns, but also the untiring compiler of things musical in Maine. Due to his efforts we have preserved over 500 inspired hymns from Alfred, Gorham, Sabbathday Lake and Poland Hill. One of the most talented musicians ever to have lived the Shaker life in Maine, was Elder Oliver Holmes. Altho’ he died in 1841 fond memories of his great gift of song, and of his musical inventiveness still remain.