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Kettering Leader, 15th September 1899
"Open Diapason," writing in this month's "Musical Opinion and Music Trade Review," refers to the Rushden Old Baptist Chapel as follows:— "In these days of breaking" records it is inevitable that organists and choristers should put in their claims to the greatest length of service. Last month a contemporary gave an instance of what was then considered to be the best record for lengthy choir membership, but another veteran vocalist now comes forward to claim the honour. The first case was that of Mr. William Sargent, of Rushden, Northants, who has been fifty-three years a member of the Old Baptist choir there. Mr. Sargent might well have been supposed to merit the medal. But Mr. A. J. Foxwell, of Chipping Sodbury. Gloucestershire, can go one better than the Rushden veteran. Mr. Foxwell has been in the local Baptist Chapel choir for over 53 and for about ten years before that he belonged to the choir of the chapel at Wooton-under-Edge. Moreover, he has sung alto, tenor, and bass; played flute, violin, viola, and 'cello and for a good many years past the harmonium, since that instrument ousted the old band. Speaking of Rushden Baptist Chapel (continues 'Diapason') reminds me that the new organ there is an 'Austin Universal Air Chest,' the first of its kind in this country. The builders are Messrs. Austin Bros., of Detroit, U.S.A., two brothers from a neighbouring town, who have brought out their invention on 'the other side.' The firm have lately formed themselves into a company, and intend, as I learn, to erect shortly a full-sized organ in this country at a convenient centre. The occasion of provision of the new Rushden instrument is of some interest. It is the custom of the choir to give a performance of a large portion of 'The Messiah' every Christmas, as an extra service, on the Sunday nearest the festival. The old organ on one occasion behaved very badly and ciphered unmercifully. A member of the congregation took pity on the music, and promised to equal any amount collected within a given time on behalf of a new instrument. Two hundred pounds found their way into the coffers of the organ fund, and the generous donor (a lady) promptly paid in her share. The present instrument is the result. Mr. George Farey, the organist at Rushden, is enthusiastic about it. He should know how to judge an organ, too, being a pupil of Dr. Keeton (the organist of Peterborough Cathedral) and a skilful executant. Meanwhile the 'Austin Universal Air Chest' has got to make itself better known in this country before a pronouncement can be made on its merits.
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