The Russellville Democrat., 1882-12-07
THANKSGIVING DAY.
How It Was Observed in Rus
 sellville.

by proclamation of both the president and governor, the day was properly and duly observed by the citizens of Russellville. Ney CT did the sun shine brighter on our little city, the atmosphere was cool and bracing, and the entire face of Nature seemed to be i'll harmony with the occasion. But few stores were closed and the streets present ed I somewhat busy scene, as there were many persons In from the country. At l0:30 a. m., the clear toned bell of the NJ. E. Church { South) was made to ring out it's summons to the people to assemble at the house of worship and there, laying aside all worldly cares and business, return thanks to God for His mercy and kindness, which en- dureth forever. At the second ring ing of the bell, fair-sized audience (principally ladies, God bless themD had assembled and the services were begun at II o'clock by the choir, composed of Mesdames Thach and Erwin, Misses Addie and Hattie Kirby, Ella Peck, and Mr. J. F. Munday, rendering in excellent style the beautiful and appropriate anthem, "The earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof" The pastor, Rev. J. L. Massey, then announced prayer by Rev. c. A. Jones. With out doubt, the prayer of MT. Jones was one of the most earnest, timely petitions to the Great Creator we ever listened to, and was uttered with the deepess solemnity and fer vor. Following the introductory prayer was singing of the S56th hymn to the grand old tune, "Duke Street" Then the Tooth psalm was read by Rev. J. T. Hendrickson, pas tor of the NJ. E. Church, and this in turn was followed by the singing of 'l0l4th hymn to that melodious and neyer-to be-forgotten tune, ''Avon," in which the choir did themselves great credit. The sermon was preached by Rev. Hendrickson and his discourse was based upon the third and fourth verses of the Tooth Psalm. To say that the preacher handled his subject with power and beauty would not convey the idea. He enumerated at length the mani fold blessings the people have had showered upon them in the year past. It was an edifying sermon, and all who heard it felt that they
 had been spiritually benefited. At the close of the sermon, the choir sang the 155th hymn to the grand old tune of Coronation" in which the entire congregation heartily joined. A fervent and beautiful prayer was then offered by Dr. G.
 w. Harkey, and it was listened to with marked attention on account of the beauty of the words and earnest supplicatlon in it's delivery. The doxology was then sung, the audi
 ence dismissed with the benedictlon, and all went to theIr homes, each one feeling that they had been renewed in their spiritual strength and thankful that they lived in a coun- try where, without hindrance, they were permitted to assemble together and return thanks to the Great Ruler of the Universe and the God of na- tions.
 Before concluding mention of the services, it is but right we should mention that the organ was presided over by Mrs. F. k. Barrow, whose skillful fingers drew from the instru- ment sweet sounds that mingled har- moniously with the voices of the singers. Mrs. Barrow has few, if any, superiors in this part of the State as a lady of rare musical at tainments.
 Throughout the city number of the conventional Thanksgiving dinners were spread, and from those who respectively enjoyed the same we learn that the good housewives of Russellville sustained their wide spread reputation as first-class cater CTS. It was the good fortune of the DEMOCRAT representative to be hon. ored with a seat at the generous board of Hon. H. Clabe Howell, and We find that he cannot command suf- ticient words to do justice to the sub ject; but we have been informed by others, who were there, that when our scribe withdrew from the hall of feasting the end of the table where he had been sitting had the appear ance of having been struck by an Iowa cyclone. The dinner was all the most exacting epicure could de- sire in quantity, quality and variety. Among the guests seated at the ban auet table we noticed MT. and Mrs. J. E. Battenfeld and daughter, little May, Capt. and Mrs. J. B. .Evants and little daughter, Miss Fannie B. Collier, Mir. H. F. White and Col. George E. Howell, with the members of the family. The guests were served in charming style by the hostess assisted by Misses Rose Pat terson and Emma Howell. Taken altogether, Thanksgiving Day, 1882, in Russellville will long be pleasant Iy remembered.
 L.Ls