Page:The Story of the Jubilee Singers (7th).djvu/263

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

movement for raising the ten thousand pounds to build Livingstone Hall, Mr. G. P. Ittmann, jun., of Rotterdam, being in London on business, saw in the Times the advertisement of a concert by the Jubilee Singers, and decided to attend it. He was so touched by their singing, and so impressed by the object for which the Singers were labouring, that he came forward at the close of the concert, and, introducing himself to the President of the University, invited the Singers to Holland, giving assurance of his readiness to do all in his power to assist them. Correspondence, and an interview in Rotterdam, led to the understanding that the Singers should visit the Netherlands the following winter or spring, if such arrangements could be made as would give a reasonable prospect of success.

Voluntarily undertaking the responsibility of making these preparatory arrangements, Mr. Ittmann entered upon the work with a degree of enthusiasm, energy, and practical ability that is rarely equalled. The Rev. Cohen Stuart, D.D., well known in England and America by his writings, was heartily enlisted in the cause of the Singers. The "Story" and other documents were not only distributed in English, but were soon translated into the Dutch language, and brought within reach of the people. In securing a translator a wiser selection could not have been made. The Rev. Adama van Scheltema gave not only an admirable translation of the "Story," but also of the songs themselves. He also became one of our wisest counsellors, and rendered most efficient assistance,