Born out of the Peace celebrations after the War of 1812, the Handel and Haydn Society has long represented a message of peace and hope to Boston and our country.

Following the American Revolution, relations between the United States and Great Britain were generally contained but tense as resentments on both sides continued to build. Many in America had grown frustrated with British possession of what is now Canada and British interference with American trade. These disputes would come to a head in June of 1812 when Congress declared war on Great Britain and authorized the invasion of Canada. The War of 1812 bitterly divided the nation, especially in the Northeast where the citizens had no desire to break our young nation's peace with an unnecessary conflict. In Massachusetts, flags were flown at half-mast when the declaration of war was issued.

Unfortunately, the country was ill prepared for the conflict and the Canadian defenders proved more tenacious than expected. The two sides fought to a stand still through 1814, when the defeat of Napoleon's France allowed tens of thousands of British soldiers to be moved to defend Canada. In one of our nation's darkest times, the Canadian forces staged a daring and brilliant invasion of the United States. As American troops massed at our northern border, the Canadian defenders saw that we had left our Southern harbors extraordinarily vulnerable. 5,000 soldiers landed and overwhelmed the capitol in Washington, D.C. and destroyed the city. Though the forces left after a failed siege of Baltimore (which inspired the poem "Star-Spangled Banner"), the symbolic victory coupled with the increased British forces changed the direction of the war. In the coming months, America suffered additional defeats, including the surrender of the state of Maine, but the British failed to make further advance on the United States. Both sides were quite weary of the conflict and eager to bring about its end and the Treaty of Ghent was signed in December of 1814 ending hostilities.

The realities of 19th Century communication, however, meant the fighting would continue right through February. Indeed, one of the final battles was Jackson's extraordinary defense of New Orleans, which had the effect of confusing the treaty for a triumph. In fact, the treaty only restored things to their state prior to the American declaration of war.

News of the treaty would reach Boston on February 13, 1815 and the public was joyous at the news of the coming peace. Massive demonstrations in celebration of the accord were immediately held in Boston with the music of Handel and Haydn figuring prominently. These services were so well received by the public that several of the participants felt it necessary to develop a more permanent organization dedicated to improving and insuring the musical life of Boston. On March 24 these men came together for what is regarded as the first meeting of the Handel and Haydn Society. As war gave way, they sought to build something from this peace for the betterment of their community.

Continue to the second part of this article.