Glasgow Society for Social Reform: Popular Musical Entertainment, Greendyke Street Hall, Saturday the 22nd of December 1860

A notice on page four of The Glasgow Herald, on Monday the 24th of December 1860, reads:

 

“POPULAR MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT. – The first of a series of popular musical and literary entertainments intended to be given in Greendyke Street Hall, under the auspices of the Glasgow Society for Social Reform, took place there on Saturday night. There was a pretty large attendance. The chair was occupied by the Lord Provost; and on the platform were Bailie Wilson, the Rev. Mr. Calderwood, of Greyfriars’ U.P. Church; Messrs. J. L. Lang, William Melvin, &c. The Lord Provost, in the course of the evening, made a short address, in which he expressed the earnest desire of himself and his colleagues in the magistracy that the proposed series of popular entertainments should be successful. Mr. Calderwood afterwards addressed the meeting, and made a brief explanation of the objects of the promoters, which were detailed at length in our columns last week. These objects were to provide amusements of a high-class character in various districts of the city at an almost nominal charge, and he added that the movement would not be allowed to go down without strenuous efforts being made to ensure its success. He concluded his explanation, which was listened to with interest, and was frequently applauded, by proposing a vote of thanks to the Lord Provost for having taken the chair at their inaugural concert. The vote of thanks to his Lordship was accorded with hearty applause. The programme consisted of selections of instrumental music, songs, and readings. The instrumental band, which is a very excellent one, has been organised specially for these entertainments, and is conducted by Mr. Richard J. Adams, of Buccleuch Street. Miss O’Connor sung ‘Cam ye by Athol,’ &c. Mr. Calderwood read a story of the Ramsgate Lifeboat; and Mr. R. B. Galbraith read ‘John Gilpin.’ The entertainment seemed to give satisfaction to the audience, being listened to throughout with attention, and the applause being frequent.”