of some value be
worked out. Then began the desperate struggle that gradually overcame
every obstruction and resulted in the establishment of an iron will and
determination to succeed that no misfortunes have been able to quell.
His want of health greatly interfered with his career till he was
nearly thirty years of age.

When fifteen he became voluntary organist and choir-master to the
Birkenhead School Chapel. Two or three years later he simultaneously
held a similar office at St. Luke's Church, Tranmere, where he trained
a boy choir that became widely celebrated. For this Church he bought
and set up a fine organ. He subsequently served as Churchwarden and
was active in many other Church offices. He erected an organ in the
Claughton Music Hall and organized and conducted oratorio performances
in aid of various Church funds; training a large voluntary chorus and
orchestra for the purpose. For Psalms whose verses are arranged in
groups of three, he wrote what he called "triple chants"--a form of
composition since adopted by other Church writers; he also composed
Canticles, Kyries and other music for the services of the Church.

Though St. Luke's Church was situated in a poor neighborhood, the men
and boys forming his choir not only gave their services but also
gratuitously rang the Church bell, pumped the organ bellows, bought all
the music used at the services, paid for the washing of the surplices
and helped raise money for the general Church fund. Hope-Jones'
enthusiasm knew no bounds and he had the knack of imparting it to those
who worked under him.

So earnest and energetic was this young man that in spite of
indifferent health and without at once resigning his work at St.
Luke's, he became choirmaster and honorary organist of St. John's
Church, Birkenhead, doing similar work in connection with that
institution. He trained both the latter-named choir together, and the
writer (whose son was in St. John's choir) frequently assisted him by
playing the organ at the services on Sunday. It was at this Church and
in connection with this organ that Hope-Jones did his first great work
in connection with organ-building. The improved electric action,
movable console and many other matters destined to startle the organ
world, were devised and made by him there, after the day's business and
the evening's choir rehearsals. He had voluntary help from
enthusiastic choirmen and boys, who worked far into the night--on