Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1880-03-29
EASTERTIDE.
THE FESTIVAL or THE RESURRECTION

THE FESTIvAL or THE RESURRECTION
impressive and Beautiful Services in the
Churches---Fine Music, Profuse Floral
Decoration, and Large OutpOur-
ing OF the People.
The Christian church throughout the
world yesterday put on the garment of
praise in exchange for the spirit of heavi-
ness that has been upon it during the
period Of the sombre Lenten season whose
gloom was put to flight at the first break
of dawn, albeit the sullen clouds
that lowered over the heavens appeared to
manifest little sympathy with the spirit of
this most joyous occasion of the Christian
calendar. Rain early began to fall in a
sort Of dismal drizzle, though for briet
period the bright sun did penetrate the
thick curtain that so persistently hid his
rays from the face of tie earth, and just at
noon, when the churches were pouring
forth their throngs of happy worshipers,
his checry light bathed the city in a flood
of golden glory. For the greater portion
of the day, however, the atmosphere was
damp and chill and thoroughly disagree
able. Towards evening cold wind sprang
up, accompanied by gusts of rain, and as
night fell steady drizzle set in, that be-
fore morning changed to sleet and snow,
which rendered pedestrianism or outdoor
exercise anything but pleasant.
Despite these frowns of nature, the at
tendance at the churches, notably in those
which practice especial ceremonial obser-
vance Of the occasion, was unusually
large. ''Christ is risen'' was the burden
Of thought among the piously inclined,
I'D the infection spread in no small
iegree to that portion Of man.
kind who regard church going as
among the minor considerations of life.
The theory so generally believed and pro-
claimed, that the large congregations that
are usually at service on Easter Sunday
may be set down to the desire among
the gent(er sex to exhibit spring
bonnets to the admiring eyes of their
sisters, was proven by yesterdays exper-
ience to be a monumental fraud and most
unjust imputation upon the female char
acter. There wero no spring bonnets out
yesterday morning, and yet the churches
were full which shows very conclusively
that people so to church on Easter because
it is Easter, and not to show their good
clothes, as some would have us believe.
While the spirit of praise and thanks
giving was upon every denomination
of Christians who recognize and believe in
the doctrine of our Lords resurrection,
the significance of that event found especial
commemoration in the Catholic, Episco-
pal, Moravian, Lutheran and few other
churches. Reports of tho services in
most Of them will be found below.
st. James Episcopal.
The church was filled to it's utmost Ca
pacity, and famous as has ever been its
reputation for the richness and elegance of
its Easter decoration, that of ofyesterday has
not been surpassed in the previous history
of the congregation. Upon the baptismal
font was superb floral shield, composed
mainly of white carnations and lilies upon
a ground of crimson flowers, forming the
illusion Of satin and lace; being the Eas-
ter offering Of Richard Jenkins, ESQ.,, OF
Camden, n. j., whose annual gift of
flowers as memorial to his mother
is always among the features of
the Easter decoration there. The
pulpit was elaborately and chastely orna-
mented with rich and elegant designs
a splendid cross with large Gala lily of
perfect form at the junction of the upright
and cross-piece, being the object of special
admiration the gift of the orphan son of
Judge McMurdy and the grandson of D.
G. Eshleman, esq. The remainder of
tho floral ornamentation was in the
same exquisite taste, all being the donation
of members of the parish. Vases of
flowers decorated the altar, about
which also burned number of tapers, a
FURNISHED cross being also prominent.
Banners with appropriate designs hung
suspended upon the pilasters between the
windows above the sanctuary, and the de-
coration was in every respect thoroughly
artistic and attractive. The sacrement OF
the holy communion was administered at
the first service e 4. n.y. and at the later
service Q0:3O a. n.y. the full Easter SER
vice was said. The music at this service,
of which the full programme was an
nounced in these columns on Satur-
day, was of very superior order, and
it is perhaps not saying too much to desig-
nate it as SURPRISING anything previously
heard in the way of church music in this
city. The large surpliced choir, with the
rector, Rev. Mr.. Knight, and his curate,
Rev. Mr.. Mulholland, following, the
latter wearing hood which. was
hung upon his shoulders, obtained from
lis alma mater, Trinity college, Dublin,
entered the church by the main door, sing
ing professional hymn, and marched up
the centre aisle to the chancel. Tho i'm
prcssive service was most admirably rem
dered throughout, especial praise being due
to Mr.. John Smaling, whose rich bass
voice was heard to advantage in a
number of difficult solos, duets and Choir
uses. The improvement that is OBJ
served in this choir is due in
large measure to the intelligent efforts of
the choir-master, Prof. Carl Matz, who
has ample reason to feel proud of the
effects of his teaching as manifested in this
service, and whose own performance upon
the grand organ contributed materially to
the fine effect of the music, his voluntary
during the offertory being particularly
fine. The sermon was by Rev. Knight,
and was at once able and eloquent, with
special reference to the significance of the
occasion being based on the story of