National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-05-27
THE TEMPLARS' FAITH
District Communicates at Ascension Church-A Ser.
mon ON the Templar's 0rder-An Elaborate
Floral Display and Brilliant HUI.
steal Services.

Ascension Church was filled to over
flowing last night to witness the ceremonies at
tendant upon the celebration of Ascension Day by
the knights Templar, Washington Commandery,
No. /; Columbia Commandery, No. 2, and Poto-
mac Commanders, No. 8, with quite number Of
knights from De Molay Commandery, No. 4 The
communicates marched from Masonic Temple to
the church, headed by the full Marine Band and
as they filed into the sacred edifice the band
took up a position On the pavement and
rendered in most exquisite manner that popular
hymn, The Sweet By-and-Bye." The pews to
the right and left of the centre isle were reserved
for the Knights, and as soon as they were seated
the ceremonies were opened with the usual SER
vices OF the English church incident to the oeca-
sion.
THE SERMON
was delivered by Rev. J. B. Purcell, of Mount
Washington, Md, who is a member of Beauseant
Comnandery, No s. Of Baltimore, was its first pre-
late, and is now the grand prelate of the
Grand Royal Arch Chapter Of Maryland, and
also the thirticth degree of the A. and A. Rite.
Taking as the text of his discourse Luke xxiv:51,
he drew a most beautiful picture of the lebors and
duties Of the knights of the Temple in the past,
their self-denial and Christian heroism, and the
duties that were devolved upon their representa-
tves of to-day. Taking up in detail the
cmblems of the order, he portrayed
with mastery skill the elements that
should be embraced in the character of the true
Knight Templar, and which to-day were the pol
ished stones in the temple of their faith. Summing
up the hopes of Immortality embraced in the Tenn
plars' faith, he showed the grand results to be
achieved by an abiding hope built upon Christ's
resurrection and ascension, which was the corner
stone Of the whole fabric OF Christianity. In con-
clusiOn, he exhorted the members Of the order 10
remain steadfast i'll the grand faith implanted
by the order, and in reviewing the promises for
such devotion he repeated the grand and beautiful
burial service OF his church, closing his remarks
with quotation from a favorlte hymn. At the
CONCLUSION OF THE SERVICES
the knights filed out, the band playing Nearer,
Ny God, 10 Thee" and the communicates reformed
and escorted Rev. DR.. Purcell TO the residence of
Allison Major, jr., whose guest he is during his
stay in the city.
was under the direction of Professor Walter with
fun choir, who rendered the following programme:
Hymn, Might baritone solo, Gounod, by Mr..
Bartram Zevely: Gloria Patri, from the Deus of
Henry Wilson; Gloria Patri" from the Benedic-
tus" of Dudley Buck; Gloria Patri," from the
"Benedictus' Of Henry Wilson: &" Cantate Domi-
no." Dudley Buck, Duet, Mrs H. c. Smith and
Miss Laura Y. Murdock solo, Mr.. Howard Ed
monds Deus Miseratur," from Gounod's Faust"
(s0io quartcttc, Mrs. II. e. Smith, Miss Laura V.
Murdoch, Mr.. w. f. Kiskadden, Mr.. Bartram
Zeyely); Hymn 49, from the o-atorio of " Sam
son y Handel, LYNN l21," "Braintree ;; Hal
lclujah" chorus from the Engedi Beethoven.
concluding Voluntary Coronation March, from the
third act of Meycrbeer's Opera lie Prophetic
TIE FLORAL DECORATIONS
were most beautiful and elaborate The wall at
the of the sanctuary was covered with flowers,
the centre being occupied by u cross in red and
white roses, surm0unted by crown. The gate
way in the sanctuary railing was spanned by a
gothic arch of roses ana lilies. On top of the arch
lowered a white dove, bearing the olive
branch. The lecturn was wreathcd in ferns
and flowers, and in front of it was suspended
lovely cross of white roses and Gala lilies. In
front of the pulpit was Maltese cross of crimson
geraniums, and surinountng the front was chcf
Fgurre of the florists aria Roman cross of
Jacqueminot roses. At the steps in front of the
chancel was square and compass, with the letter
G done in white pinks, vOlets, and carna-
tions. These artistic decorations were under
tie direction of Mrs. Allison Nailor, jr.,
Mrs. c. c. DuncansOn, Mrs. n. Uternehle,
Mrs. Robert Boyd, sr., Mrs N. n. Parker, and Mrs.
Robert Boyd, j., assisted by Messrs. Utermehle
and Morrison. The crosses and more elaborate
floral designs were the handwOrk of John Small,
esq. A quantity of flowers were also sent from the
White House Conservatives.