Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-06-12
CHILDREN's DAY.
How IL was Observed at the MethOd list
Episcopal thurch ON sunday.

1t is one of the disciplinary rules of the
Methodist Episcopal church, that the second
Sunday in June of each year shall be devoted
exclusively TO the interests of the children
and therefore called "Children's Day" In
accordance with this rule, appropriate
in this city on Sunday. Although the
weather looked a little unfavorabe in the
morning, the clouds soon disappeared and the
sun came out bright and clear. The house
was full of the friends of the children. all
interested in the services; the children.
sho were present in large numbers,
occupied the best seats in the house,
as well as the warmest place in the
hearts of the people. The pastor, Rev. Mr..
Rradee, took for his text verse in Matthew,
Suffer little children to come unto me aud
forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom
Heaven" 1t was not a sermon, but he talk
ed directly to the children in u very plain.
familiar style, that could not fail to interest
| and please. One interesting feature in con-
nection with this service the singing of
the sChildrens Day Hymn" the pastor sing
ing each verse himself and the whole school
joining in the chorus to the tune of "Beulah
Land" There are persons in the world, who
in their narrow -mindedness, look upon such
occasions as these as foolishness, as time
wasted. But if such ones could have been
present on Sunday and looked upon the little
| sea of upturned faces, and into the bright.
| sparkling eyes of the children as they eager
| ~ listened to catch every word the pastor
| aid, they must have been convinced that all
the labor, time and trouble spent to interest
the little ones was appreciated by them, and
vas not spent in vain. The church in the
| vicinity of the altar, presented beautiful
| appearance, SURPRISING anything ever seen
| upon former occasions. 1t is almost impos-
| sible to describe the decorations in full. but
We attempt the leading features: The most
| prominent among them was the CEN
tire which consisted of large arch composed
of arbor vitae, entwined with blossoms of the
white lilac. spirea and honey the whole
| crowned with cross made of lilly of the val
| lev Beneath the arch was suspended
white dove with spread wings. Upon either
| side of the stand were arranged beautiful pot
| plants and cut flowers. In baskets and vases
together with floral designs of varions de
| vices. among which was a beautiful cross
| composed of field daisies and deutzer, placed
in memory of Mrs. Henry Brown, the only
member of the school who has passed away
during the year. Also an anchor and star
made of white field daisies. photograph
| 81 these Delutl1ul uccb.Nlous was eahSu cS-
fore they we're taken away.
Great credit is due TO Mr.. Frank A. Brick,
chairman of committee for the beautiful
arrangement of the floral display on this
occasion and the society very appropriately
| extended to him a vote of thanks for his
| Kindness.
| Ia the evening occurred the Sabbath
School concert which was highly entertain
ing. the children acquittng themselves in
very crsiitahle manner. DIR. Roberts. the
superintendent has evidently spared no pains
| to make The school attractive and interesting
for the children and to his untir.ng efforts
much of their success Sunday evening should
| he attributed The service consisted of
recitations and singing of classes, also the
recital of a service prepared for 'Children'>
| Dav.~ entitled ..Fadeless Flowers Appro-
pirate remarks. were made by Rev Mr..
Bradlee. Mr. Beal and others, instructing
the chiIdrsd on the Importance of living
true Christian life. The exercises concluded
by singing the "Floral Mission" hymn.