The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1879-09-27
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1879.
LOCAL AFFAIRS,


Fenst Of IngatberinE, or Harvest Home.
Was celebrated at St. Johns Lutheran
Church, or Lester s. on Sunday the 18th inst
aud also at 81. Benjamin's, or Kreider's, on
Sunday the Dist instant, Rev. III. w. Kubns
Pastor, who is also Pastor OF Grace Church.
this city. There are about four hundred com
municants in these three churches. The AT.
tendance was very large on both occasions, and
many had to go away without being able to
gain admittance. At st. Johns, over the
door, there were iestoons Of evergreen, and
in the circle, in gold letters, "Lord bless our
Church and PASTOR" and above it the angel
of devotion pointing to the cross. The win.
dows we're decorated with wreaths of ever.
green and flowers. Over the pulpit, in gold
letters, the words "Haryest Home" The
chance railing was festooned with eyergreens
flowers and wheat heads. A cross Of ever.
greens and heads Of wheat over the pulpit
and clusters of grapes eDtwined in wreaths at
each side OF the cross. Stalks of corn were
placedin one corner ofthe ehancel and sheayes
of wheat, oats and rye in the other. In front
of the pulpit was beautiful pyramid of fruits,
and flowers in profusion. The text was
Leyiticus %: 80, 40, -"Also in the fifteenth
day OF the seventh month, when We have gath
cred in the fruit Of the land, ye shall keep n
feast unto the Lord seven days; on the first
day shall be a sabbath, and on the Sth day
shall be n sabbath. And ye shall take you
on the first day the boughs of goodly trees
branches OF palm trees and the boughs of
thick trees and willows Of the brook; aud ye
shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven
days.
At ST. Beniamin's tho chaucel was tasteful.
ly trimmed with evergrcens aud flowers. A
pyramid of fruit was erected about five feet
ht.,l, haapttf,l tvtt H. -
very rich on the altar stand, tall stalks of
corn in either corner Of chancel, a profusion
of flowers and rich bouquets on pulpit and
altar. Back Of the pulpit was beautiful
cross OF eyergrcens and heads of wheat, and
above the cross, IN circle, the words "Iar.
vest Home, in evergreen letters. Above
that, the motto-"My faith looks up TO Thee"
On one side the motto "Ihe Lord will
provide, and on the other-"Give us this
day our daily bread" Other appropriate
notices were seen, and all trimmed with ever
greens. The gallery was festooned with ever.
greens, and sheaf of wheat, rye and oats in
each corner. Wreaths Of flowers and ever.
greens were tastefully disposed all about the
church, the handiwork, in both churches, Of
the ladies of the respective congregations,
aided by the gentlemen. The congregation
at st. Benjamin's was the largest which ever
there were at least 100 persons outside: while
many went away who could not get near, or
space even to hitch their horses. The flowers
were from Messrs. Reese and Smith, West.
minister. Many were contributed by the Ia.
dies Of the congregation. The text was
Exodus, %: lG.-"And the feast Of harvest,
the first fruits Of thy labours, which thou hast
sOwn in the fields, aud the feast ofingathering,
which is in the end Of the year, when thou
hast gathered in thy labours out Of the field"
The sermon was able and impressive, marked
by patient research, and very appropriate to
the interesting occasion, which will long be
remembered by the large concourse of people
present. The pyramids from both churches,
together with the barrel of -four at Kreider's
were presented to the pastor.
An attentive correspondent sends US the
following relative to the above:
Krcider's Church situated abou, mile north OF
Westminster, In which worship on alternate Sab
baths Reformed and Lutheran congregations was
aeilsely packed or last sunday morning, quite a
the Harvest Home were celebrated Rev Mr.
kuhns, pastor Of the Lutheran congregation OF this
city, ohciating. u IS m annual festival and the
services are very interesting aud impressive. The
nuts OF the earth are brought Into the sanctuary
and In the prsence OF Cod abundant gins Inc peo
pie bow ia humble recognition OF their bcneheent
Creator, and oher thanks for His great mercy. On
the above mentioned occasion the church was beau.
flowers shrilbbery and fruit Back Of the stand were
the words Harvest Home In large Letters trimmed
in evergreen. In front Of the stand was large
central pyramid, consisting OF barrel Of -four trim
med with cedar and surrounded with n large guam
uty Of garden vegetables o; every imaginable kind.
The portion above the barrel was formed Of large
apples choice ounces pear, grapes etc. tasteiully
arranged and looked quite tempting. ThispyTnmid
was probably over six feet high TO the right of
this quantity OF fruit and flowers similarly ar.
ranged on stand. To the left were tall stalks of
corn, branches Of willow, etc. Back of the fruit
stand on the steps leading TO the altar were line
collection OF rare cxoties. The gallery extending
around three sides OF the church. was festOoned Ia
evergreen and from Its sides and corners hung
branches Of apple. pear and grape filed with lus
eious fruit. In the right corner sheaf of rye In
the left one of wheat and TO the front of the pulpit
one of oats together with four large baskets OF fruit
pending from supports attached 20 the gallery, aud
numerous bOquets. completed the decorations all
together producing a beautiful effect, and winning
admiration from all Observers Such aservice, may,
TO prejuiiced or nnthoughtful mind, seem foolish
but had such one been present and heard the
most eloquent discourse OF the minister, while he
proved in most convincing argument that such
worship was right and that Cod had commanded 1t
and urged all 10 praise their Fathers goodness,
which ~ constantly extended toward u.s. and heard
The choir rendering the choicest hymns appropriate
To the occasion. and had seen that large assembly
moved By the words Of their minister until their
hearts throbbed In unison with his he would have
felt as those present felt and IN humble thanks
giving praised tod for his abundant hafvests