Middletown transcript., 1870-01-08
Letter from Odessn.
Correspondence Of the Aiodletoon Transcript

Correspondence Of the Mcldletown Transcript.
DEAR TRANscRIpr ;-Wc gladly offer
our hand'to you, this New Years morn
ing, and reciprocate your pleasing saluta-
tion of "A happy New Year" May you
have uninterrupted health and glorious
success.
We have parted with our old friend
1869, and to our citizens the "farc-well'
was brilliant. The most distinguished
feature, however, was Il grand ovation by
the St, Paul's Methodist Episcopal Sab
bath School of our town. The church was
decorated for the occasion. We have new
cr seen, in city or country more beau
tiful. chaste, unique and harmonious ar
rangement of cvergrecns in their artistic
settings. Knowing the reputation of the
ladies and gentlemen of the st. Pauls NJ.
e. Church, in this direction, we had rea-
son to expect something handsome; the
display exceeded our utmost expectations,
When we were hurrying into the church,
we instlnctively paused at the door en-
chained for the moment by the admiration
OF the scene. Before the eye, spanning
the central aisle was II triumphant arch,
resting on platform, raised across the
western end of the building, about twelve
feet from the floor, on the top of which
was mounted cross, and beneath it, in
the arc, the motto Jesus Reigns." These
were, together with the columns support
ing the structure, entwined with ever
greens, which also hung in graceful fes-
toons, along the circle, from the centre of
which was hung a beautiful basket filled
with well trained vines. Back in the re-
cess was a massive Christmas tree, from
which, in addition to the usual adornments,
hung chains made, we judge, of paper of
different colors and presenting pleasing
contrast with the lights glowing about
them, Above the recess and along the
walls were wreaths of evergreen, which
were also cnwrapped about the Chapters
of the columns, and around the columns
themselves.
While admiring these beautiful trap
pings the noise of many feet pressing up
the stairway, turned us to tho door of en-
trance, We had scarcely time to notice the
drapery of the doors, by the spangled
banner, before the children of the Sunday
School came marching in, by classes, each
bearing banner, having the name of the
class on one side and an appropriate motto
on the other. 70 say the banners were
beautiful would be . tame description. 1t
seemed as if they were the eliminating
point of the taste of the fair hands that
made them. The children assembled the
spacious platform in fine order, and for
two hours. assisted by Mr.. Groves as lea-
der and Miss Hayes us organst, sang
swcetly, evidently to the qualification Of
u large and appreciative audience Dur
ing the evening Rev. Mr.. Allen, of Della
ware City, delivered pleasant address,
and the young gentlemen connected with
the school sang with very great eelat,
voluntary, and closing song. The pas
tor Of the church, Rev G. A. Ph9bus,
being master of ceremonies, carried for
ward the whole movement with his usual
ease, and occasionally convulsed the audi
encc by timely out gushing of the mirth-
full, SO characteristic of his genial nature
The children of the school were entertain
ell by Il bountiful supply of ice cream and
cake in the afternoon of the same dav.
Thus, the old year, We have helped on
to a peaceful departure. May the present
year, both with you, dear Transcript, and
with every one of your readers. be as
sweetly conditioned. Your friend
Odessa, Jan. 1&t, 1870. Trrrs