Delaware State journal and statesman., 1867-12-24


WINS presented by the sabbath
y ehco.s connected with the Central Church,
that so delight and animate tho spectators
who generally throng Into tho pews TO wit,
ness the interesting ceremonies. 1t WAS
anniversary day for tie children-a DAY
which the little ones look forward lo-nexl
To christmas-ss being the sweetest and
most joyful of all tie festivals in the history
OF their young lives.
Upon this occasion the celebration was
ilaughl with unusual interest. II was the
twelfth anniversary day 1t was continued
throughout the morning and afternoon; and
Il was held for the first time under the
auspices OF their new Pastor, Mr.. Shaw,
than whom no father ever held more closely
in atftctiona.e regard the interests and hap
pinoss OF the dear little lambs. This was
clearly shown on Sunday, by the carnest,
tender and loving manner in which he spoke
10 the .hildren and went among them
giving good counsel and advice. And the
happy, cheerful faces Of the children told
plainly, too, that they loved The dear friend
whom God had sent 10 them TO show them
the nay; and their attention To all hc had To-
tell them gave evidence of their confidence
in and attachment to him. We have never
known Pas,or-in any church--to win so
largely and take such deep hold so quickly
upon the affections OF the children and peo-
pie Of congregation, as the new Pastor OF
tho Central Church has done since his al
vent among US. A wide field spreads open
| to his view, and with true christian heroism
lie enters upon his vast and responsible
laborS. 1t Is the duty of every christian 10
pray that the Master may give him strength
OF heart and mind and body TO do his great
work acceptably.
The morning services consisted in singing
by the classes, which was very creditably
done and also 10 the distribution of premi-
ums to the children who had committed 10
memory the Catechism or some prescribed
portion OF Scripture. These premiums con.
sisted OF books--handsomely bound Bibles,
Hymn Books, Bunyan's Pilgrims Progress,
aud other similar works--all Of them the
free contribution Of that estimable and he,
loved friend Of the schools-Mrs. John r
Latimer. 1t has been the custom Of this
benevolent lady 10 present annually premi
ums Of this character, while she resided in
this cit, y; and since her removal TO Philadel
phia, she has proven that her love for III,
children and interest in tue Sabbath Schoo
cause has not in the least abaled by tht
generous and ample gins she thus unosten
tatiously bestows every year upon tho LITTLE
learners at the Central
) Another point Of special interest in III,
morning services wos the admirable sermon
TO the children, by Rev. Mr.. Shaw. 1t is
hard thing TO speak 10 children so as 10 in
: terest them for any length OF time, but WI
think Mr.. Shaw's sermon met decidedly
that difficulty The little incidents and mar
, ratives Of history equally fascinating, thrill
j. ing, and instructive, seemed TO hold tn
little ones closely 10 his remarks; for we hay,
rarely seen so many children assembled to
gether manifest the same degree OF orde
and attention as they did. We consider In
sermon a perfect gem Of its kind, and thinl
= it should be handed over 10 the proper pull
LEGATION committee 10 be put in permancn
form for general circulation. No bette
= reading book could occupy place on III
= shelves OF any Sunday School library.
r In the afternoon the ceremonies wer
a continued by the several classes handing i
their offerings, which upon this occasio
:. were quite large and liberal. While thes
D. classes were thus engaged, the audienc
is room presented a most beautiful and uniqu
, annaoranco Tho roo,y tvoe hriii;a n,i,, I;rt
II ed up, the Pulpit was removed from III
e. platform, and in its place stood a large
d, massive Cross-beautiinl Cross, tho omblei
J. OF the christians faith--this Cross WAS /
imitation Of white marble, and about eigl
ID feet high. As class amer class sent up il
Id offering a handsome bouquet was at tn
same time placed upon the cross, unit
it became almost entirely covered wit
flowers and evefgreens The mlsslonar
classes contributed each letter forme
=, Of evergreen leaves; these letters were SUI
- cesslvely placed upon tho cross, until III
~ word SALVATION appeared in full view b.
fore tile audience. The group Of little wa
a blers at the foot oil this attractive cmble
singing
4, SHOUT the iIdInls IL sAlV-tlon"
% presented a spectacle of lmpressiveness an
". beauty hitherto unknown on such an occ
nj sion An address by Mir. Altman of Ha
m over Church, contributed to tho interest
the scene, and all passed off 10 the gre
ty delight OF the schools and congregation, al
IN 10 the lasting credit Of the Superintendent
he Mr.. E. T. Taylor, under whose efflcie
~ management the teachers and assistan
g. have made these Sabbath Anniversaries
the Central Schools so beautiful aud enie
n. tanning.
r. The Infant School, under tue SUPERB
Ot tendence Of Mr. Joseph W. Day, and hi
~ Carrie Jefferson was especially attIactiy
n The dear little children HIS they sat togeth
ty in one of the side aisles presented char
Id ingly interesting picture TO the hebolds
n. This school, named in honor of the estimal
n. lady already alluded to in this article, Sc
is up beautifully wrought Heart, boul
es around with evergreen leaves, and beari
40 the following inscriptions Latimer-- EadeaT
OF 10 oar hearts by precious memories Of lori
CHI cords and kindly acts We understa
1t IL the intention Of the Superintendent
Use forward this pretty emblem to Mrs. Latina
int Who doubtless will treasure it as sw,
lie memento of affection from the little darliu
iut Of her furmpf rare and CONSTANT iny.