OUR photo this week shows the music students of Thomas H. Massey, generally known as Tom, who was the organist at the Bathurst Anglican Cathedral for many years.
Tom was one of four sons and one daughter, all of whom took a prominent place in the musical profession. Tom’s brother Arthur Massey was the organist at St Barnabas’ Church in the 1900s. For decades, Tom Massey taught young students and adults to sing or play the piano or organ, holding regular tuition classes after school.
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This group are some of his female students. He also trained and conducted a choir at St Barnabas’ Church, with many considered excellent choristers. Mr Massey was also known as an accomplished vocalist and piano player, often winning sections of the Bathurst and other eisteddfods.
Earlier it was noted in the Bathurst Free Press that musical recreation had induced many thoroughly capable musicians to take up their residence in Bathurst and their presence had been an admirable incentive to the young people, who were learning and adopting the latest and most progressive ideas in music. It noted for one, Mr T.H. Massey, the youngest member of a family well-known throughout NSW for its musical talent. It was a happy coincidence in Mr Massey’s settling in Bathurst that many years previously his father was a citizen of Bathurst and, with other musicians of his day, had established our city’s first orchestra.
As a teacher, Mr Massey always advocated diligent practice and students who always studied well would bring credit to their teacher, as well as themselves. The National Advocate, in the second week of January 1903, noted that: “The pupils of Mr. T.H. Massey are notified that he will resume tuition this week.” Always one to support charitable causes, he regularly appeared in churches, halls and the School of Arts, such as in July 1900 when he played the organ “for a special musical service held in the Kelso Holy Trinity Church on Sunday next at 8 p.m.”. During the organ recital, a special offertory was made on behalf of the Indian Famine Fund.
In 1902, Tom was the conductor of the Bathurst Choral Society and played the organ for practices and rehearsals. In time, he became the assistant secretary for the society. In October 1903, the Bathurst Federal Choir, accompanied by assistants to the number of eight good voices, some semi-professionals, took their departure at the Bathurst Railway Station for Ballarat and the greatest musical battlefield in Australasia. The mayor, Alderman A.E. Ennis, and others were on the platform to wish Mr Massey and his choir success.
Once a year, sometimes more, Mr Massey hosted a concert to allow his pupils to show their skills and to gain confidence. One such occasion was in late October 1904 when a Pupils' Concert took place in the School of Arts Hall on a Monday evening. A very interesting program of music was promised. Anyone desirous of attending the concert could obtain programs and cards of invitation at Messes. J.R. and A. Jones’ establishment.
Thomas Massey was well respected and appreciated by his pupils, as evident when several, including Misses Arline Brook, Olive Naylor, Ethel Seage, Gladys Hart, Daisy Makepeace and Flora Moir, presented him with a beautiful silver shaving cup and brush on Christmas Eve 1907. Miss Hart, who made the presentation, said that the pupils desired to recognise his work as their teacher during the past year and hoped like success would follow his efforts during the year to come. He thanked them for showing their appreciation.
Mr T.H. Massey had a remarkable aptitude for organising and carrying to a successful issue concerts and other recitals which were entertaining and instructive. His enthusiasm was always evident as he worked most assiduously in their practice and presentation. The time and energy expended by him always led to a successful function.
