En: Arthur Sullivan

Arthur Sullivan

Source: Missouri Lodge of Research

Brother Arthur Sullivan was a noted 19th century composer (of Gilbert & Sullivan fame), composer of "Onward Christian Soldiers," (The author of the words was Anglican priest Sabine Baring-Gould) and Grand Organist of the Grand Lodge of England. Upon hearing his music played on one of the earliest recordings, the amazed Sullivan told Thomas Edison,

"I can only say that I am astonished and somewhat terrified at the result of this evening's experiments: astonished at the wonderful power you have developed, and terrified at the thought that so much hideous and bad music may be put on record forever. But all the same I think it is the most wonderful thing that I have ever experienced, and I congratulate you with all my heart on this wonderful discovery."