2-982-102 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Opening of the American Centennial Exhibition: Chorus singing the Centennial Hymn, from a sketch by our special artist, 1876. 'Bishop Matthew Simpson then offered up a prayer, which was followed by Whittier's Centennial Hymn, sung by a chorus of a thousand voices. The main building behind the chorus acted as a sounding-board, the Memorial Hall in front confining the sound. The general effect was far grander than could be expected in such open-air performance, producing from the surprised and delighted audience a rapturous burst of applause'. From "Illustrated London News", 1876.