The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1865-04-18
Our Report of Sabbath Services Continued.
CENTRAL CHURCH.

Tn the Central Congregational Church, the
draining of mourning, and the religious SER
vices were deeply suggestive of the solemni-
ties of the hour. The large Organ, which Is
| in front of the congregation, was heavily fes-
tooned with mingled black and white, and be-
meath the central figure Of the drapery there
was full length portrait of Abraham Lincoln
surrounded with wreath ofmyrtle and deep
ly craped. The portrait could be distinctly
recognized from any part of the house. The
pulpit was entirely covered with a large flag,
and over that handsome silk flag was laid
covering the face of the pulpit, the whole
craped, the Grape festooned along the front OF
the platform, and relieved by fastenings OF
white ribbon. The front ofthe gallery was al
SO draped in black and white. sasa
The congregations attending the religious
services during the day, were crowded. In
the afternoon seats were placed in the aisles,
and many had to leave the house for want of
room. In the morning the Pastor, Rev. Mr..
Moore, delivered sermon from the text
Psalm 81, I'd verse. "Clouds and darkness
are round about Him; Righteousness and
judgment are the habitation of His Throne"
We learn that urgent requests are made for
the publication of this sermon. In the after
noon the Pastor continued his sermons on
Bunyan's Pilgrims Progress, and at the close
Of the sermon an appeal to the young men
was made to be Christians, and pointing to the
portrait Of Abraham Lincoln, the preacher
held him as a model. The mass Of people
were deeply impressed, and solemnity and
tears prevailed. The services were closed
with the whole congregation singing the tune
"Pleyel's Hymn" to the words:-
"Hastsn. sinner, TO be wiss."
We should also speak of the organ perform
ances in this church on the Sabbath, ~ Mr.. j.
E. Gilman, which were of superior character
the selections of appropriate dirges and 9TH
er pieces displaying good taste and correct
judgment. az al
cAsCo STREET CHURCH.
Among the many dscourses delivered in
this city Sunday, on the sad occasion, so we'll
calculated to call out the deep utterance of
christian patriotism; that of Rev. DR.. Graham
at Casco st. Church was among the best. He
observed at the commencement that one might
desire to write, and re-write and perfect the
arrangement of his thoughts on such an occa
sion, but yet, it might be as well Ito speak out
extempore the crowding emotions of the heart;
and well did he vindicate that COURSE, Every
heart present must have been stirred to its
depth by his fervid eloquence, his patriotic
appeals, his pious admunitions and his express
sions of heartfelt grief.
He spoke of the diabolical assassination as
but the elimination of the fendishness of the
slave power and the sympathizing aims Of
those semi-traitors who have sewn "drdgon's
teeth" through the land, intoxicating the doc
trine that our great fallen President was q
tyrant, and Of course a ut mark for the shafts
of assassination. Scathing was his denuncia-
tons upon those murderer and their
friends.
One duty that others neglected, the Doctor
most ably performed; that was in exhorting
! his hearers to rally round him who now by
the Providence of God, steps into the breach
and waves aloft the flag OF freedom. and by
prayers and loyal sympathy to sustain him in
these momentous duties and responsibilities SO
suddenly imposed upon him. And let oil the
people say Amen.
NEW JERUSALEM CHURCH.
At the New Jerusalem Church, funeral
draperies of black and white were arranged
over the chancel arch, and around the desk
The communion table was covered with the
American flag. and on the table stood vase
full Of white flowers, among them beautiful
Gala; lilies of which the Gala is a Distinguish
ed variety, signify new life or resurrection; on
account of this meaning,the lily had place
in church that day-the Feast Of the Resur-
rection. ss o9
In the close of the morning sermon, on
Matthew xiv 6. "He is not here for he Is
risen," when speaking of one who had depart
ed his life since the last Easter Day, the
preacher alluded to the death OF the President,
and said a few words OF the neY life on which
he had entered. Looking beyond the grave
is like seeing the door rolled away from the
sepulchre; our friends are then thought of as
living and not dead. not shut up in the tomb,
but set free in new world. He who died
yesterday, had many friends; he was be-
loved, venerated man; we will think of him as
risen to higher life. .xxy
In the afternoon services were held in the
Church. The SSth Psalm was read by the
minister and people, prayer was offered for the
country, and the family of the deceased Presi-
dent for the departments Of the government,
for the army and navy, and for the great cause
that lies SO near the hearts of loyal men, and
| supplication was made for our endowment
with peace Of mind through trust in Him who
"out of darkness calls up light" %
In closing, he said that the revolution of
| feeling in the loyal heart had been great with
In a few hours. Generous pity for fallen
foe had given place to vigilant wariness against
treacherous, deceitful, not to be trusted men.
The strong hand of restraint must be laid up
on the rebellious. Wherever the government
has had sway it must be reinstated in power.
Whoever has been projected by the Flag, must
honor the Flag; and though we Danish venge-
ance and retaliation and malice from our
hearts, let us remember that tenderness to
naurderers is cruelty to the innocent
WEST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The Chapel was decorated with emblems of
mourning, in very tasteful style. = qH
Rev. Geo. A. Tewksbury, Pastor, preached
from Deut "a :S and Lam. 5:l5.
The preacher first alluded to the unexpect-
edness of the event, and the suddenness of the
transition with the people from a state Of
glowingjoy, to one Of deep and unuttershie
grief. He spoke Of the many worthy traits
and virtues which were presented Ia the char
acter of the President-and which. in their
| official exercise. have SO endeared him to the