The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-06-20
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY.
CONGRESS SQUARE.


Yesterday, in accordance with the usual
CUSTOM. Children's Sunday was observed at
the Congress Square Universalist church and
the arrangements were carried out in the same
pleasing and thorough manner which has, in
the past, characterized similar gatherings in
this church. Tho rain in tho morning rem
dered the attendance considerably smaller
than usual, although the scholars of the Sun
day School were present in goodly numbers.
The services in the morning, conducted by
Rev. Mr.. Gibbs, the pastor. in his most happy
manner, consisted chiefly of the christening
service, and brief address to the school.
The church was densely crowded in the
evening when the regular Children's Sunday
concert exercises were given by the school in a
manner entirely satisfactory to all who were
fortunate enough to be present. In the alb
sence of the efficient superintendent of the
school, sMr. Freedom Nash, temporarily con-
fined to his home by illness, the exercises we're
under the charge of the assistant superin-
tendent, Mr.. Philip F. Turner.
The report of the Superintendent for the
year shows that the whole number registered
was 405 scholars, So teachers and officers,
AiahihS, d totdl VI HUI. AV6rdS0 uumDCr pro
sent for the A sessions which were held by the
school go, largest number present at any one
session 3O3, smallest number II. The infant
class under the faithful and efficient care oil
Mrs. w. e. Gibbs numbers 43, with an aver
age attendance of %. The Treasurer's report
shows the total receipts for the year to have
been $374.15, and the expenditures 1851 40,
leaving balance on hand of $780,
The church was prettily decorated, the pull
pit arch being framed in evergreen with ever
green festoons wreathed across from which de-
pended a beautiful basket of flowers A
smaller arch was erected at the rear of the
chancel wreathed with evergreen and large
white flowers, and bearing the motto "Chil-
dren's Sunday" Vases and baskets of flowers
and plants lent their aid, and the piano was
decorated with bouquets and superb wreath,
while cages of canary birds were hung about
the sacred edifice.
wILLISToN CHURCH.
Yesterday was observed as "Children's Sun
day." There was beautiful display of flowers
and ferns. The pastor presented each of the
baptized children of this church who were
years old and upward, q copy of the "Reyised
New Testament" with few well chosen re-
marks. His sermon was familiar talk to the
young people, The preacher took his text from
Psa. 40 GOTHAM that is in honor and un-
derstandeth not, is like the beast that
perisheth''
One OF the most noticeable features of the |
late conference was the growing interest in |
children; and not only here but throughout all
the churches and IN nearly every religious |
n6WSn1npr ctrnCc 10 1os1
OF the church to children. But you must not |
think because SO much is being done for you |
that nothing remains for you to do; will you |
De man or q beast, is the question asked of |
you TINS morning: You do not realize that |
what you call little sins may become that |
which will destroy your souls. Neither do you |
reallze what you are and what you may be- |
come. Some of the greatest deeds performed |
have have been dore by yong people. You may
"move the hand that moves the world" Your |
own future depends upon what you do while |
young. 1t depends upon you whether the man |
or woman you represent will have flaws in |
their character. They may be small now and |
easily removed but they grow very fast.
Realize that there is a future life and that |
you must enter into it.
In the evening the 18th anniversary of the |
Sabbath School was observed. The exercises
consisted in singing, recitations, &c. The |
general exercise was called"What of the year,
This was followed by remarks by the pastor,
Rev. f. E. Clark, also by Rev. Mr.. Ropes of |
Ellsworth.
From the Superintendent's report we learn |
that the total membership is 3S5, largest at
tendance 266, smallest attendance liz, average |
attendance ZIG, total receipts $321S3. The |
Superintendent, Mr.. j. F. Jefferds, has been |
untiring in his labor for the school and as a re-
suit ofhis labors he has seen SO join the church |
during the year from the Sabbath School. |
Many others show good evidence of conversion |
and will join the church very soon.