Middletown transcript., 1881-04-22
Easter Services.

A large congregation filled the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church on Easter morning,
the pulpit and platform were almost
covered with beautiful plants and flowers,
arranged with much taste, and the Pastor,
Rev. w. L. S. Murray, preached an alb
sOrbing sermon from Prov. xiii, %: 'Buy
the truth and sell it not; also wisdom, and
instruction, and understanding" The
venerable Bishop Scott was present. The
choir, which is always strong and good at
this church, rendered some beautiful and
appropriate music. The benediction was
pronounced by Bishop Scott.
In the afternoon a Gospel Temperance
Meeting was held at this church, at which
Revs. w. C.. Alexander and w. L. s.
Murray delivered able addresses. The
congregation at the evening services was
large.
FOREST CHURCH.
The floral display at the Presbyterian
Church last Sabbath morning was very
fine. The large table in front Of the
pulpit was so filed as to make the pulpit
appear to be a bank of blooming plants
On either side were arranged stands which
gave to the whole a most pleasing effect
| But the people of Forest Church had
more than beauty for the eye on Easter
Sabbath. Rev. W. C. Alexander preached
with his usual vim, from Matthew xviii,
6, last clause. Prof North, Of Philadel-
| phia officiated at the organ, and the young
choir of the church acquitted themselves
nobly, giving abundant proof of coming
proficiency, and attesting the worth Of
such an instructor as Professor North.
The voluntaries at the evening service
were of no ordinary merit. We hope that
| Professor North has established such a
reputation for himself as shall secure for
him a large class Of vocal scholars.
ST. ANNE'S.
We always expect to be pleased with
what we see and hear at the festival sea
sons of this ancient parish. The experience
of its hundred and eighty years has borne
its due fruit from year to year. But this
last Easter gave us unusual qualification.
The chancel decoration was perfect in it's
floral arrangement. The three windows
wer filled with flowers, the middle one
being SO arranged that the memorial cross
upon the altar was crowned and surround
ed with three beautiful Gala lilies and other
white flowers Two stands were filled on
either end Of the altar. Lamps were SO
arranged with refiectors in the vestry
room as to throw their light upon the
display with remarkable effect. The font,
in the corner Of the nave, near the pulpit,
was also filled and surrounded with an
excellent display of plant and bloom.
The Rector, Rev. w. G. w. Lewis,
preached from the text: "Why seek We
the Living? He is not here; He is risen.'
The music was excellent, as is usually
the case in this church. We missed the
voice of the soprano who has led the choir
for several years past, but her part was
well filled by her former assistant. The
organ accompaniments and voIuntaries
were well rendered by the accomplished
organist. The base and alto parts were
thoroughly sustained. We trust that the
choir will persevere in their work, so well
begun, and venture to prophecy even
better things in the future. The church
was well filled with an attentive and
gratified congregation, and the number of
COMMITMENTS after the sermon was larger
than for several wears.