Hear 1905 Composition by Old First’s William G. Hammond

William Gardiner Hammond was a composer as well as organist and choirmaster at Old First (1903-1912). He formed one of the early musical groups to hold concerts in our Carroll Street building, the Hammond Choral Society. Performances such as these were the forerunners of what Arts at Old First has become today.

As a young man, William accompanied singer Lillian Nordica, America’s first home-grown diva. She was a big fan of Hammond’s and introduced many of his early songs.

Someday soon we will hear this masterpiece in our own restored sanctuary, played on our Roosevelt organ by Aleeza Meir, with one of our very own sopranos singing. I have found and purchased the sheet music!

Enjoy this recent recording of his 1905 hymn, “Behold the Master Passeth By.”

William G. Hammond’s story is posted here.