Woman of the Century/Celestia Joslin Northrop

NORTHROP. Mrs. Celestia Joslin, vocalist, born in Hamilton, N. Y., 8th September. 1856. Her father, Willard C. Joslin, was at the time of his death the oldest choir-leader in the United States, having acted in that capacity in the Baptist Church of Hamilton for forty-three years. His daughter inherited her father's musical talent and assisted him for many years as the soprano of the choir. CELESTIA JOSLIN NORTHROP. She was graduated in June, 1876. from the Hamilton Female Seminary, leading her class in vocal culture and the fine arts. In August, 1877, she became the wife of Rev. Stephen A. Northrop, who began that year his first pastorate in Kenton, Mich. He remained there for over five years, with a success which attracted the attention of the First Baptist Church of Fort Wayne, Ind., which gave him a call, and where for ten years he has been at the head of one of the largest churches in the West. During those fifteen years Mrs. Northrop has been by Ins side, contributing largely to his popularity and favor with the people. Her ability as a singer has made her services in constant demand by the great denomination to which she belongs. By earnest request she was induced to take charge of the song-service in the National Baptist Anniversaries in Saratoga, Asbury Park, Chicago, Cincinnati and other cities. It is a rare circumstance indeed for a woman to direct the singing of thousands of untrained voices, without the use of a baton, but her ringing tones and plain enunciation have enabled her with fine effect to handle the vast congregations, to the delight of the throngs and to the surprise of musical critics. She has a very clear, rich and sympathetic voice.