Singing in the Choir

This is a picture of Peck Memorial Presbyterian Chapel, the church to which Charles B. Thaden and his wife, Lydia, went each Sunday. They were married at this church in 1908.

"Last night at Peck Memorial Chapel Miss Lydia Dalton Hodgson, daughter of Mrs. John E. Hodgson, was married to Charles Thaden by the Rev. James M. Henry, pastor of the church. The bride entered with her brother, Mr. John W. Hodgson, who gave her in marriage. Her dainty dress was of soft white French lawn, trimmed in valenciennes lace. She carried a shower bouquet of bride roses and lilies of the valley, and her tulle veil was fastened with lilies of the valley. Mrs. Grace Schlosser, as matron of honor, wore white swiss and carried Golden Gate roses. The four brides maids wore dainty dresses of white organdie and carried bridesmaid roses. They were Miss Vannie Fauth, Miss Doris Denham and the Misses May and Irene Yost. The ushers were Mr. W. Shipley, Mr. Arthur Payne, Mr. W. Beckwith and Mr. William Cartwright. Lucien Thaden was best man for his brother. Mr. George H. Ward, organist of the church, rendered several selections and two wedding marches. The chapel was prettily decorated with palms and daisies by the members of the church. Mr. and Mrs. Thaden left soon afterward for Atlanta, Ga., where they will be the guests of Mr. and Mrs. H. Thaden, who are to give a reception in their honor next Thursday night."

Interestingly, the best man and and bridesmaid Doris Denham later became husband and wife. Mr. and Mrs. H. Thaden in Atlanta were Charles' uncle and aunt.

Lydia sang soprano in the small church choir. There were three other sopranos, two altos, two basses, and a tenor. They were accompanied by organ. One year they gave a special evening Christmas song service and sang "Sing, Oh Heavens," "Behold I Bring You Tidings," and "Holy Night."

The Peck Chapel was located at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and M Street. It was founded in 1886 as a mission outreach church in Georgetown, which provided vocational education for minorities and disadvantaged youth.  The church was sold to another organization in 1938 and was finally demolished in 1951.  The above photo shows an image of the church photoshopped into a current image to show its location. https://georgetownmetropolitan.com/2015/12/09/now-and-a-long-time-ago-pennsylvania-and-m-st/.