The Portland daily press., 1880-06-21
Children'S Sunday.

Sunday week ago, was observed as Chill
dren's Sunday by all of the Methodist churches
except Pine street, and yesterday that church,
together with the Universalist and High street
churches made a like celebration.
CONGRESS SQUARE.
At Congress Square Universalist church the
pulpit recess was prettily festooned with ever
green caught up at either end with a basket of
beautiful flowers, and from the centre of the
arch depended another large floral basket. On
either side of the front of the platform were
large vases of ferns, while the platform and
communion table were covered with bouquets
two to the memory of Clarence B. Haven and
Mrs. G. NJ Adams-and magnificent floral
pillow. In the rear of the recess was lamb
reclining on bank of moss, and over him an
arch bearing the legend, "There shall be one
fold and one shepherd" Canary birds made
the air vocal with their music.
In the morning Rev. Mr.. Gibbs delivered a
sermon to the children. In the evening usual
musical exercises and recitations took place
and were very pleasing. The school has 424
pupils with an average att enhance of 215 out
396 registered. There are 65 in the infant class
The teachers number So and officers g. The
receipts were S350.39 last year and expendi-
lures 1884. 10. Two pupils have died-Hattie
f. Bragdon and Mary Moore. There are 1850
books in the library, an increase of 70. The
school is in very fourishing condition.
PINE STREET.
Children's day at Pine street NJ E. church
was appropriately observed yesterday by con-
cert in the afternoon and praise meeting in
the evening. One glace over the audience
room demonstrated the fact that very efficient
committee on decoration had been selected.
Their arrangements were perfect in every de-
tail. Directly in front Of the enlarged plat
form was reared an arch of evergreen, 1Sx22
feet, dotted with syringas and relieved at inter-
walls by beautiful boquets of cut flowers, one
larger than the others surmounting the apex.
Hanging plants were suspended from the crown
of the arch some four feet apart. A large
number of floral memorials were ranged be-
tween the columns of the arch. These COM
posed of choicest cut flowers in the form of an
chors, wreaths and crosses were emblematic of
those sad changes occurring since last Chill
dren's day, whereby the school and congrega-
ton lost blossoms, opening buds and full bloom
flowers of fragrant memory. Behind the me-
MORALS were other floral groups-two large
flower stands literally overlooking with
their choice cuttings. In the rear of the
stage stood second arch, corresponding in
shape and trimmings to the main one. Beneath
it cross. These emblems were further decor
ated by some young ladies during the concert
exercises gilt letters, "Bear the Cross being
attached to one and "Wear the crown to the
other a gilt crown then surmounting the arch
The panels of the organ were well guarded
with evergreen and flowers, and across the
large silver pipes "Our children" stood out in
gold letters. On either side of the organ
stretched out long line of plants and bouquets
While four large evergreen trees added to the
general effect and filled the air with their
fragrance. Large wreaths hung from the side
gas fixtures, forming beautiful frames to the
bird cages hanging in their midst. The gallery
in the rear was also tastefully traied with
evergreen well sprinkled with cut flowers,
while directly over the gallery, comfortably
perched in large wreath was our proud
American eagle quietly viewing the gladstone
scene below.
The concert passed off without jar, proving
that those in charge had been faithful to their
trust The Gagged songsters entered into the
spirit OF the occasion, and with the solo of
little Alice the air was indeed full of melody
The praise meeting in the evening was like.
wise an enjoyable occasion. Rev. Mr.. Hutch
ms, the pastor, presided, and short addresses
were made by Presiding Elder Jacques, Capt.
Coyle and others.
HIGH STREET CHURCH.
At High st. Church the front of the pulpit
cushion was bordered with beautiful flowers
while plants and trailing vines added to the
general effect. In the morning Mr. Fem
preached from the text, ''Be sure your sin will
find you out" In the evening after the
organ voluntary came singing followed by
responsive readings. An anthem was sung by
the choir followed by prayer, singing by the
primary class, bible exercises, singing, the
superintendent's and treasurer's reports, sing
ing by the choir, addresses and collection.
From the superintendent report we learn
that the organization consists of the pastor, 4
officers, q teachers and 232 scholars, an in
crease of 81 during the year. Six new classes
were organized and one discontinued. On
February ODD the school made a special sub
scription of 1892 towards frescoing the vestry
and ladies' parlors. The regular contributions
OF the several classes of the year were $3.50 65,
which, in addition to the above subscription
make 1892. 65. In mission work Mrs Fenn's
class have educated and supported teacher
at Sivas The Mission Circle lead all state
circles and has taken five shares in the Con-
stantinople Home, for $119. Deacon Thurston's
class devoted its proceeds to the Hampton
Normal School for Freedmen. There are AGO
volumes in the library, addition of
80. There were three deaths among members
of the school during the year; two children of
Mr.. Marks, the superintendent, and Miss
Carrie F. Chandler.
In closing the Superintendent expresses his
appreciation of the kind cooperation and as
sistance of the pastor, other officers teachers
and scholars.
Rev. W. FL. Fem made CLOSING address
recalling events in the lives of prominent men
who had been connected with the school the
past AZ years.