Professor George Careless

Professor George Careless Prof. George Careless celebrated his eighty-ninth birthday on the 24th of September, 1928. During the even- ing of that date he led the grand march, and also directed the singing and played violin selections, in a testimo- nial given in his honor. This gifted man is a picturesque character, diminu- tive in size but a veritable giant in ability, and with as sweet a spirit, as deep a love of righteousness and with as much humility, perhaps, as any man that ever came into the Church. Comparatively few of the present generation know him personally, though almost every Church member is acquainted with his name and has listened to his melodious message. His music has been sung in every part of the world where the Gospel has been preached. His life has been romantic and colorful. While still a boy in Lon- don, he manifested a remarkable gift for music, and his teachers and associ- ates predicted a great future for him. The Gospel message was brought to his home, and after humble prayer he received a testimony of its divinity. It was not long until the spirit of gath- ering came upon him and he gave up an excellent position with the largest and best orchestra in London. Viewed with human wisdom, it seemed a foolish thing to do. Oppor- tunities for great musicians are not nu- merous in a pioneer community where life's chief business is to wrest food from sagebrush land. His friends point- ed out the barrenness of his future prospects and tried to dissuade him; a rosy future smiled at him there; he had neither the physical strength nor the training for the difficulties which sure- ly awaited him here; doubtless he him- self at times had misgivings, but he could not remain in his native country and feel satisfied. So, "walking by faith and not by sight," he left what seemed to be, for him, the land of promise and entered upon the west- ward journey. The sailing vessel Hud- son was chosen to carry the company over the Atlantic, and the voyage to New York consumed nine weeks, dur- ing which time with his violin Brother Careless, playing the world's musical masterpieces as well as many of his own compositions, made many friends. The captain was particularly drawn to him and as the ship approached the pier this officer said, "Professor Care- less, I must have one of your composi- tions before you leave." Brother Careless had already packed, and his trunk was not available. He sat down in one corner of the deck, with a bacon barrel as a desk, and on a rough piece of paper wrote the inspir- ing music, now familiar to all Church members and to which we sing Parley P. Pratt's equally stirring words, "The morning breaks, the shadows flee." Naturally President Young was not long in discovering this man's talent. Almost immediately the young mu- sician was appointed to take charge of the tabernacle choir and later was called to direct the theater orchestra. Fifty- four years ago he put on the oratorio, the Messiah, and it is still spoken of among old-time musicians as having been done in a masterly way. He was drawing a total of $1,000 annually, part of which was in tithing orders, part in store pay and a very small amount in cash. Virginia City, in Ne- vada, was enjoying a great mining boom, and some wealthy men from

EDITOR'S TABLE 153 there heard Prof. Careless direct an opera in Salt Lake City. So impres- sively was it done that these men after the performance offered him $1,000 in gold monthly if he would go with them and train and lead an orchestra in the Western city. Naturally an offer twelve times as large as that which he had been receiving was attractive to a poor man. He went to John T. Caine, then manager of the theater, and asked for advice. Brother Caine put this question: "George, why did you leave your position with its bright future in Lon- don?" "Because I wanted to be with the people of the Church." "Then what are you going to do about this offer?" "I'll stay here if I starve," was Brother Careless' answer, and here he has remained ever since. He is immeas- urably greater because of the decision. Here he has sung praises to God instead of to man. Perhaps he would have achieved more fame had he remained in London; probably he would have made more money had he gone to Ne- vada, but now in the twilight of life he devoutly thanks the Almighty for giving him strength to choose as he did. Who can properly evaluate his work? The Era has had considerable to say about the athletic prowess of "Mor- mon" boys. The Word of Wisdom has been given much credit for these achievements. However, all Church members know that physical strength and endurance are not the sole results of observing the injunction to avoid tobacco, liquor and hot drinks. Note another feature of the divine promise: "And all Saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, * * shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures." Brother Careless' clean, exemplary life has brought him great physical endurance and "hidden treasures of knowledge," and he has here prepared himself to write heavenly symphonies hereafter and to direct celestial choirs and orchestras which are now invisible to mortal eyes. — C. The Sacrament Jesus, more precious than manifold treasure, Fountain of all that is dearest to me, Let Thy pure spirit flow down without measure, While in my heart I am turning to Thee. Priceless Thy gift! Oh, the pain and the anguish! First in Gethsemane, then on the cross: Slain for the world while the multitudes languish, Turning away to their tinsel and dross. Here at Thy table as thou hast appointed, From every vanity riven apart, Seek I the favor of heaven's anointed While His sweet spirit burns warm in my heart. Theodore E. Curtis