The Portland daily press., 1864-12-27

ObShQUlEcs-tn funeral OF Capt. Benia.
min Q. Pennell, Co. B, 18th Maine regiment
took place yesterday. The services were per,
formed at the Central Church. The pulpit o.
the church was draped with the Union flag
There was large attendance of people, and
the services were solemn and impressive. The
Portland Lodge, of which deceased was q
member, accompanied by the Band of the
18th U. S. Infantry marched to the church
and took seats in the centre pews. A dirge
by the band was performed, and the religious
exercises were then conducted by Rev. Henry
ID. Moore. Pastor of the church. These con-
sisted in singing by the congregation of the
hymn:
Gently, Lord, Oh gently lead us,
Through this loIwy vale OF tears ;"
Then followed reading ofthe scriptures and
prayer by Rev. Mr.. Moore. The band per-
formed another dirge, and then came the
Masonic ceremonies, conduc ted in an i'm
pressive manner by William Curtis. w. M,
of the Portland Lodge. At the conclusion
OF these ceremonies the remains were taken
to Evergreen cemetery and deposited in the
receiving tomb. They were escorted to the
bridge by the masons, accompanied BY the
band, and followed by members of No. a, Ocean
Engine Company, of which deceased was
formerly a volunteer member. On arriving
at the bridge the escort opened to the right
and left. and the corpse with the cortege pass
ed through-the band playing dirge
The funeral arrangements were under
charge of Major Mann, U. s. Paymaster, and
were admirably conducted. The remains of
the deceased were In coffin, covered with
black cloth, and beautifully ornamented, from
the establishment of Messrs. s. S. Rich d Son,
who in matters Of this kind, always display
taste and skill, to their great credit. On the
topof the coffin was silver plate bearing the
inscription:
CAPT, BENJAMIN O. PENRRLL,
Killed in front of Petersburg,
June II, 1854.
Aged % years 8 months.
A photograph of the deceased was laid up
on the coffin. s,.ssgsa.st gaai ss.taia
Thus has passed another noble spirit to its
everlasting rest. iai iloy
THE Festival OF the Mission Sabbath School,
at behring's Bridge on Christmas Eve fully
eqHalled the most sanguine hopes of its friends.
But little time was expended in preparation,
yet the Chapel was tastefully decorated with
evergreen, banners, &c. The motto, swell
come to our Sabbath Home" in the rear of the
desk, elected much praise, as also the numer-
Gus wreaths and crosses arranged with SC
much taste upon the walls. But the richly
laden Christmas Tree, as matter of course
from its dropping branches many buoyant
hearts were soon to be made more joyful. AT
ter singing and short, appropriate prayer by
DR.. c. Kimball, speaking and singing followed
at intervals, much to the admiration of al
present. The Post Office and grab bag per.
formed their part admirably. "The Stal
Spangled Banner" was sung with fine effect
by Miss Chase of Portland. ass 81
An agreeable episode was introduced by the
sudden appearance of a mock elephant in the
room, conducted by G. Small, who appropri-
ately described some of its traits, as its ponder
GUS form slowly moved among the delighted
crowd. The refreshments by no means were
passed unnoticed, and to know that the Ice
creams were from Mr.. !. Barnum's establish.
nIent would seem sufficient to determine the
quality, but every one seemed inclined to test
the articles personally, and some for the sec
ond and third time, to which no objections
were raised by the managers. In short, every
thing passed off with entire satisfaction, 60 far
as we know, and the very efficient Superin-
tendant (Capt. Sturdivant) cannot fail to see
the hand of Providence in his recent orrei--.
nent to this interesting field of labor.