Published in the Abolition Intelligencer and Missionary Magazine (Shelbyville, KY, Vol. 1, Iss. 2, June 1822), this letter from Elijah Boardman (findagrave.com) provides a striking glimpse into the use of shape-note singing in early American missionary efforts. The account describes a singing school among the Tuscarora people in Lewistown, New York, where indigenous singers learned sacred music using “patent notes”—a term associated with the shape-note notation designed to make sight-singing more accessible. What follows is a vivid portrayal of orderly, heartfelt singing in the native tongue, harmonized with spiritual devotion and missionary zeal. This rare historical reference underscores how shape-note singing was not only a tool for teaching music but also a vehicle for religious instruction and cross-cultural engagement in the expanding American frontier.
A letter from Elijah Boardman, to the editor of the Methodist magazine dated January 21, 1822.
Dear Brother,
On the evening of the 12th inst. I called for the second time to visit the Rev. Mr. Crane, the Presbyterian Missionary to the Tuscarora tribe of Indians, in Lewistown. He receives the Methodist preachers, not as strangers, but as brothers beloved—He seems to be an “Israelite indeed in whom there is no guile.” Himself, his lady, and Mrs. Brown, the tutors, evidently evince the true Missionary spirit, by endeavoring to ingraft these wild plants of nature into the true olive tree.
Mr. Crane has built a small house near the center of the tribe, and is to them as a priest and a prophet. There are from thirty-five to forty families belonging to this tribe, and he has about eighteen communicants, and a number of others very serious. The gracious work is increasing. I learned from brother W. T. Alvis that a singing school in the tribe was to be held that evening, at the house of Mr. Crane. Accordingly, in the evening two Indian Chiefs came in, and about thirty other persons, principally young people belonging to the tribe. They took their seats very orderly and commenced singing by rule, in their native tongue, using the patent notes. Their music was of the best kind. Their lips and hearts seemed exactly to tally. Indeed, they sung “with the spirit and with the understanding also.” Nothing of wildness of behavior was seen. The lion and the lamb seemed feeding together.
One of the Indian Chiefs commenced the meeting by extemporary prayer, in his native language. It was not only in word, but in power and energy. Another of the tribe concluded the meeting by prayer. A worthy example for singing masters. During the evening they sung a number of beautiful tunes and carried all parts. Better melody and sweeter harmony I believe I never heard. I was both delighted and surprised. My mind was led to wonder, and my soul to adore that Almighty Being who has thus turned the “Barren wilderness into a fruitful field,” and changed war whoops and savage yells into tuneful hosannas. Surely, “According to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought?” “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.”
Many of the tribe seem to be very devout and deeply pious. They are building a small Meeting-House among themselves, principally at their own expense. Surely these things should excite a sacred emulation among us to carry the gospel to those remaining scattered tribes and families, on the west and southwestern frontiers of our continent, who are perishing for lack of knowledge.
Our brother Alvis lives at home in the tribe, and conducts, I believe, with propriety, is quite useful, and takes an active part in teaching the young persons of the tribe the way of salvation; and is thought more useful here than he would be elsewhere. Here is a very good work under our charge on this circuit. There have been four or five new societies raised within its bounds. One of which was formed by brother Somerville, in Ridgway, numbering between 20 & 30. They appear to be very flourishing, growing as the vine, & reviving as the corn, and we trust they will spread forth their branches as Lebanon. A number more have been added to our other societies on this circuit.—Elder Case informs me in a letter, that our missionaries to York and the new settlements in Upper-Canada, are doing wonders among the people. Sometimes for want of horse feed, and on account of bad roads in the new towns, they travel on foot through the woods, and preach to the scattered population of these new settlements. This looks like leaving all for Christ’s sake.
Yours, &c.
ELIJAH BOARDMAN.
Leave a Reply