Daily Republican., 1879-04-14
EASTER SUNDAY.
Crowded Churchcs-The Exercises,
Decorations anH Music.

Crowded Churchcs-The Exercises
Decorations anS Music.
The sun rose bright a nd beautiful
yesterday morning, aud soon all Viii
mington was astir, vending their wa,
to the various churches in honor O
Easter. The day was 6ttingly celebra
ted in all the churches, but in the
Catholic especially there was profuse
decoration Of flowers and evergreen,
rendered more brilliant still by the re-
tlected light of hundreds of burning
candles. In the Methodist and Bap
tist churches, appropriate sermons were
preached, but in the Catholic and
some of the Presbyterian and Episco-
pal churches the communion was ad.
ministered.
At the Delaware avenue Baptist
church Rev. I. M. Haldeman delivered
his fourth anniversary sermon. The
subject was: "A Psalm of Remember
ance on the work of four years. p" The
reverend gentleman spoke at scme
length Of his work since he came there
four years ago. He gave the following
statistics: Increase in four years, S25;
baptism, IT.; admission by letter sr
experience, 4S; present membership,
LOOP; whole number Of baptists in the
State, 1000; whole number in 1875,
S67; increase in the State, 1865 in
crease in Delaware avenue, S25 /; money
raised by all churches in four years,
S65, 900 raised by Delaware avenue
church, $29, 600; next highest church,
Sl5, 600; next highest baptisms in
church, 200; Delaware avenue, TT.
During the day about 800 was collec-
ted for the home mission.
The services at Trinity Chapel, Fifth
and King streets, were among the most
notable of the day, and the singing by
the choir was unusually fine. The
music was never before given in this
city, and was rendered in manner re-
flecting great credit on the performers.
The members of the choir are Miss Ada
Connor, soprano, Miss Virginia Connor,
alto, COL, C. B. Rhoads, tenor and di-
rector, and DR.. Howard Ogle, basso.
William J. Parry is the organist.
The first service was at seven o'clock
in the morning, and the second at TO-
80. Rev. DR.. Eros: otiiciated and was
assisted by Rev. Mr.. Murphy. The al
tar and chancel were very tastsfully
decorated with flowers.
At the eight O'Clock service last
evening, there was more beautiful mu-
sic, including anthems, canticles and
carols. The attendance at all the ser.
vices were very large. At 4.30 yester-
day afternoon there was baptismal
service, and several persons were hap
tised.
At the Old Swedes church there was
an Easter feEtal service at 500 O'CLOCK
yesterday morning, and at three o'clock
in the afternoon the Sunday School
Easter festival took place, accompani-
ed by baptism.
St. Mary's Catholic church WAS
crowded during all the exercises of the
day, and at half past seven o'clock dur
ing the morning mass the congregation
went up to the altar railing and receiv.
ed communion. st. Michal's Benef
cial Society and St. Mary's Pioneer
Corps attended in regalia. St. James,
st. Paul's and the German Catholic
church were also densely crowded.
At 81. Peters Pro-Cathedral last
evening Pontificial Vespers and the
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
were celebrated with great pomp. Rt.
Rev. Thos. A. Becker officiated, assist
I'd by Fathers Lyons and McGrane. II
Bishop Becker preached very able
and interesting sermon, which was at
listened to by all present. A
large number of Protestants were pres
ent during the day.
At the West Presbyterian church
the pulpit and its surroundings were
decorated with choice flow
ers.
In the evening Rev. A. N. Keigwin
preached an able and interesting ser
mon from the 7th verse Of the l4th
chapter of Sachariah: "But it shall
,ome to pass that at evening time it
hall be light" He stated that the
christians as well as the unconverted
1ad their troubles and sorrows to meet
ind bear in this life, but it was pleas
INT to know that at the evening of life
IS they were about to part with their
riends that it would be light for them
n the presence of their Savior, and it
would be pleasant to meet with those
hat had gone before, but he felt sure
hat there was not an unconverted per-
on in the large audience before him
hat would not fear to neet the Savior
nd he would venture to say that none
f them would like to be banished from
he presence Of the Savior and their
Even admitting that there was no
'urning lake, or other torments. The
into outer darkness would
10 dreadful punishment. He would
therefore, warn them to prepare for the
vening, so that they might have light,
le spoke in feeling and earnest man
er of the parting of friends and rela-
ives at the death bed and urged upon
is hearers to become christians SO that
'hen the evening come for them, they
'ould havelight.
We regret that our limited space will
Ot allow of a more full report.
Services appropriate to Easter were
eld at the Central Presbyterian Church
esterday both morning and evening.
he morning service beginning at 1870
'as opened by beautiful voluntary
y the choir after which the pastor, DR..
. II. Nixon, preached very beautiful
nd well digested sermon from Peter,
chapter and 3 verse. "Blessed be
he God and Father of our Lord Jesus {
hrist, which according to his abund. {
mt mercy hath begotten us again unto c
lively hope by the resurrection of Je. c
Us Christ from the dead"