I was at the Church on Saturday to see "La Terre" (the earth) a 1921 French silent movie based on Emil Zola's novel of the same name. This was yet another MIFA event in the city, and I felt compelled to go since I have been supporting MIFA's cause lately.
The event started out with a prelude discussion of the film in the Skinner Chapel. This must be the most ornate Congregational Church in New England.
For those of you who don't know, the Congregational Church originates with the Puritans who came on the Mayflower, and they liked things plain.
That Plainness usually carries over in into the modern Congregational Church, but this is Holyoke.
After a French Themed Dinner down in the dinning hall, the movie began in the Main Sanctuary.
The thunderous E.M. Skinner Organ, was played by prize winning organist Peter Krasinski. The organ, installed the same year the movie was made, accompanied the film perfectly, and Krasinski cleared the dust out of the pipes, making sounds I didn't think an organ could make.
I quickly forgot it was being played live as I watched the film. Feeling the music as much as hearing it, no one slept through this film. All I will say further is that if you weren't there, boy you missed something.
9 comments:
What a great idea to make use of big beautiful buildings like that for other community purposes, as well as worship.
Nothing to do with this article. But wanted to inform you of this one...in case you didn't know.
http://www.masslive.com/localbuzz/index.ssf/2008/09/in_memory_of_james_smith.html
I saw this man everywhere. Sad to hear the news.
- Joshua R. Taylor (Taylor Studios)
Yes Josh, I saw that, and posted in my 'Stories Of The Past Week' when it happened.
I'm also saddened by James passing. He would walk by my house at least once week. Every time I saw him it made me smile. I always wanted to do a story about him, and assumed I would just run into him at an opportune time, But fate didn't cooperate. We don't know what we really miss until it's gone.
There is a tribute banner of him hanging in the front door of the former Triangle Shoe Store, 145 High Street, Painted by Amy Johnquest.
Great photos! I saw Metropolis there a few years ago. The same organist accompanied the film - he is amazing. It was incredible how he kept pace with the film.
I'm sad I missed this last film. Howpfully there will be more.
Webgirl, they will be showing "Oktober" march 14th.
An arcitechutal wonderland like this could provide so many uses. This is just another great idea!
I love the photos from the inside.
Jeff
Thanks Jeff!
It even bigger inside than you think with two levels in the basement, and an elevator.
vandog - thanks for the heads-up about the upcoming film.
MIFA seems great and has put on some great events, but I'm always confused why they have events in NYC that none of us can attend, and seem so disconnected from Holyoke or MA. Why do they not have their gala events locally?
I missed Metropolis, was sick at the time, and I own both versions of it on VHS, and DVD.
I believe the NY Gala Event is intended to connect Holyoke to the people and culture of NY.
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