The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1881-09-29
Memorial Services.

WeMOri0t SerilceSs
The Governors proclamation, recon-
msnding special services in the churches
ana suspension of business on last Fri
day and the Monday on which the las,
sad rites were celebrated, in honor of the
murdered President, was not received
here in time to be acted upon the first
named day, save by pretty general drap
ing OF the fronts of buildings along our
main streets. On Monday, however, the
day was fifty observed
A union memorial service was held in
the Methodist church, Rev. MIR. Antler
son officiating. The pastor of the church
was away at Conference. A crowded as.
scmbly, representing all shades of religi
GUS and political belief. filed the build
ing. among whom were the school child
rcn and their teachers, who came in q
body. The pulpit and altar were taste
fully decorated with flowers, a solid mass
of chrysanthemums. white and spotless
being the central ornament, arc und which
were grouped clusters of pansies and
vases containing beautiful bouquets
An improviscd choir, consisting of Misses
Park and Aver, Mrs. Philbrick, and
Messrs. Peabody and Wilson. led the sing
ing in an acceptable manner. The IA
milisr hymns. Nearer, My God. to Thee
and Jesus, Lover of My Soul" were the
selections for the preliminary service.
After prayer by the officiating minister
followed by appropriate scripture reading
and singing by the choir, MIR. Alfred Wal
lin was introduced to the audience, and
made a brief but remarkably impressive
address. The maxim laid down by Car
lyle, that the man who would move and
inspire others must himself first be deeply
moved and inspired. explains the charm
of this speakers words. They were the
expression of deep and genuine feeling
After first admitting the inadequacy OF
any words of his to add to the fame OF
the illustrious dead, the speaker proceed
ed to say that, in Il narrow sense. thai
fame was as safe us it could have beer
had the President lived the full measure
of his days. 1t was not to add to tn,
lustrc of his name that this memorial
tribute is paid for the sake of the
dead, but for the living. should we treas
ure the memory of a good and great man
The Washington monument now building
at the national capitol suggested itself t.
him as type of the purpose which should
animate these memorial services. Tha
great monument is no: to commemorat,
mere name. but like this service, Il
teach the true greatness of virtue itself
II the boys then present could only learr
from the noble example of the late Prcsi
dent that to tilial obedience, to goodnes.
Of heart, to untiring patience and stead
fastness Of purpose, the President owee
his steady advancement from the low
levels of poverty and obscurity to hi.
present crowning emincnce in the. heart.
Of sorrowing nation, the lesson woult
he priceless one. Garfield never con
tented himself with half knowledge o
things-ncver assumed the mere appear
ancc of wisdom never strutted in Dor
rowed plumage. The speaker concluded
with a touching allusion to Garfield
home life, and his lifelong devotion t,
his mother.
Mr.. Morrill, was then introduced, an,
made all appropriate address in simila
strain, though touching more upon tn
political results Of the sad event, and ou
duty as citizens to accept the new ordc
of things growing out of it. His eulng,
of Garield's character was attcntively 70.
by the listening congregation.
1t was fitting and significant that n
more patriotic and heartfelt uttcrancc i
praise of Garfield's life work was mad
OH the occasion than that made by Nj
Rutcr. an avowed Democrat, the key
note of his remarks being the exclams
ton, "Thank God for Garfield" Nj
Ruter thought that good would grow ou
of his death as well as out of his lif,
through the softening of party animos
ties in common sorrow, and the rcstor;
tion of fritcrnal feeling throughout til
Union.
Rev. Mr.. Anderson reminded the col
gregation that the afternoon was wearin
away, and would not detain them wit
discourse at length. His concludin
words were calculated to impress h
hearers with the thought that Garfield
highest honor was sterling Christianit.
The preceding Sabbath Rev. Mr.. Al
derson, in the morning sermon, discourse
eloqucntly upon the theme uppermost
the mind of every onc-the lesson of Il
lifesand death Of our late President.