God’s gift of Music has always played a most important part in the life of the Maine Societies. The library of the family at Sabbathday Lake reflects the breadth and richness of Shaker musical tradition. Not only does the collection contain the earliest known Shaker musical manuscript dated 1802, but it serves as a guide to the musical history not only in Maine, but of all the other Societies. In some manuscripts, hauntingly beautiful melodies, in a minor key, written over 175 years ago, before the gathering of the Societies in Gospel order, mingle with the impassioned and moving hymns, given under inspiration, by the Holy Spirit.
In discussing Maine Shaker music we cannot pass over the name of Otis Sawyer who for nearly fifty years served the Cause of Christ; first as Elder of the family at Poland Hill, later as Elder of the Church Family at Sabbathday Lake and finally as Spiritual Head of the Maine Ministry.
Elder Otis is responsible not only for the words and music of countless lovely hymns, but also the untiring compiler of things musical in Maine. Due to his efforts we have preserved over 500 inspired hymns from Alfred, Gorham, Sabbathday Lake and Poland Hill.
One of the most talented musicians ever to have lived the Shaker life in Maine, was Elder Oliver Holmes. Altho’ he died in 1841 fond memories of his great gift of song, and of his musical inventiveness still remain.
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