It is of interest to note that “The Gift to be Simple”, the Shaker song, perhaps best known to the world, chiefly through Aaron Copland’s having used it in his “Appalachian Spring”, is from Maine, having been composed by the Ministry of Alfred. We must mention, too, the names of two sisters, important for their contributions to the world of Shaker Music. To Aurelia Gay Mace, the versatile Chronicler of Maine Shaker history, we owe, not only the preservation of several remarkable manuscript collections, but also a wealth of highly personal and original comment both on the songs, popular among Believers, and the manner in which they were sung. To Sister Aurelia we are also indebted, for much of our knowledge of the March in Worship, and the interaction of song and March. Eldress Mary Ann Gillespie was the composer of many beautiful hymns during the period immediately following the Civil War. One of the best loved of her hymns is entitled, “Watching and Praying”. The words follow: Watching and praying, I find you, O my beloved, my own. Trusting a Father’s rich promise I will not leave you alone, I will not leave you alone. Though thro’ the desert I lead Or apart in the mountain ye pray, For strength in the hour of need, I never will answer you, “Nay”, I never will answer you, “Nay”. The musical education of the Shakers has certainly come a long way, since the days of Brother Abram Whitney’s letteral notation and the simple melodies of our early founders. Today, many of our hymns and anthems are much more elaborate as you will note in a later Shaker Anthem, entitled “Rejoice”. Although, perhaps, rather empty without the addition of a full chorus, you will get some idea of the quality of the composition, as I play it on the organ. The present day Shaker Hymnal contains many beautiful hymns and anthems. Some were arranged and harmonized by members, using various Scripture texts, while others were the musical expression of those simple, sincere soul-breathings from the dedicated hearts who were imbued with the spirit of the first Christian founders. One of these hymns ably voices the universal faith of the Shakers, whose hearts deeply feel for those, their brothers, who suffer and are in need of love and assistance. The following hymn, entitled “Universal Prayer”, is one of many, which are sung in our Church Service, in loving thought of others. The Spirit is calling, earnestly calling O Zion, unfold in deep prayer. O pray for the fathers, the sisters and brothers, O pray for the household; O pray for the mothers, remember all others, O pray for the whole, whole world. O Spirit, most holy, earnestly calling, So tenderly pleading for all, In prayerful devotion we bow at Thy bidding To ask Thy rich mercies may fall, ’Till household and nation shall see Thy salvation, Thy power reach the whole, whole world. Transcriber’s Notes