This method has been followed ever since.  Every year some special work is taken up for study and given in the fall.  It is an event that is now a recognized feature of the city’s musical life, eagerly awaited by music lovers not only of Philadelphia but of nearby towns.  In addition to Haydn’s “Creation,” which has been sung four times, the chorus has given Handel’s “Messiah” three times, Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” twice, Beethoven’s “Mount of Olives,” Mendelssohn’s “Hymn of Praise,” Miriam’s “Song of Triumph.”  It has also given a number of secular concerts.  For all this extra work neither Professor Wood nor any member of the chorus has ever received one cent of pay.  It is all cheerfully contributed.  The oratorios are given with a full orchestra and eminent soloists.  In the secular concerts the music is always of the highest order.  Guilmant, the celebrated French organist, gave a recital at The Temple while in this country.  The chorus believes in the best, both in the class of music it gives and the talent it secures, and has long been looked on by those interested in the city’s musical welfare as a society that encourages and supports all that is high and fine in music.  Among the selections given at the Sunday services are Gounod’s “Sanctus,” the magnificent “Pilgrim’s Chorus,” the “Gloria,” from Mozart’s “Twelfth Mass,” Handel’s beautiful “Largo,” the “St. Cecilia Mass,” and others of the same character.

The plan of fining members for absence from rehearsal, which was adopted at the time the chorus was organized, has also had much to do with its success, though it is rather unusual for a choir.  Instead of being paid to sing, they pay if they do not sing.  The fine at first was twenty-five cents for each failure to attend rehearsal or Sunday service.  Many shook their heads and said it was a bad idea, that the members wouldn’t come and couldn’t pay the fine, and that the chorus would go to pieces.  But the members did come, and when for any reason they were compelled to stay away they cheerfully paid the fine and the chorus flourished.  These fines helped to pay the current expenses of the chorus.  In the last three years the amount has been reduced to ten cents, but it still nets a sum in the course of the year that the treasurer welcomes most gladly.  A collection is also taken at each service among the members, which likewise helps to swell the chorus treasury.

Speaking of the organization and work of such a chorus, Professor Wood says: 

“In organizing a church chorus one must not be too particular about the previous musical education of applicants.  It is not necessary that they be musicians, or even that they read music readily.  All that I insist upon is a fairly good voice and a correct ear.  I assume, of course, that all comers desire to learn to sing.  Rehearsals must be scrupulously maintained, beginning promptly, continuing with spirit, and not interrupted with disorder of any kind.  A rehearsal should never exceed two