Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-07-07
CHILDREN's SUNDAY.
1t Il Observed at the Unitaria and Uni.
versalisf Churches.
Ar THE USIyERsALIsT.

A service of unusual interest and one long
to be pleasantly remembered, occurred at the
Universalist church on Sunday. Children's
Sunday is usually observed in this church in
June, but was deferred this year until this
time, when class Of fifteen was presented
for christening and the pastor solemnly dedi-
Gated them by baptism to the remembrance
and worship of God. The altar was profusely
decorated with flowers and the motto "Suffer
little children to come unto me, and forbid
them not, for of such is the kingdom of
heaven" was tastefully displayed on the
walls. The singing was, as usual. of great ex-
cellence rendered by the fine quartette of the
church, and the congregation filled every
part OF the large audience room. At the
close OF the sermon sixteen persons came
forward and were received into the fellow
ship Of the church, most of them being young
ladies and gentlemen from the Sunday School,
but including some of the older persons,
among whom was the youngest sister of ex-
Governor Perham of Maine. Thirteen per
sons received the rites of baptism and three
young ladies were received by confirmation,
having been baptised into the church in in
fancy. After the benediction was pronounced
the Communion of the Lords Supper was
celebrated. The members of this church feel
that they have much to encourage them in
their work, and the prospect for the future of
the church is very hopeful one. Thirty
four persons have publicly professed Chris
tan Faith and connected themselves with the
church under the present pastorate, which
began eighteen months ago, and all depart
ments of the church work are in a flourish
ing and prosperous condition.
AT THE UNITARIAN.
Sunday was a red letter day for the chill
dren of the Unitarian parish. The floral
decorations for the day were beautiful to look
upon, and abundant. A cross of white roses
glstened on the pulpit front, while on the
wall at the rear of the pastors chair rested a
second rose cross, red and white in an ever
green setting. Gracefully thanking the pulpit
waved vases of ferns mingled with blushing
peonles. large cluster of spiraea and gar
den heliotrope sprung from the font in front
of the pulpit On table sitting against the
wall at the left rested a magnificent harp of
pansies on an emerald field. The organ rail
/
green festoons covered with flowers and bear
ing beautiful anchor of garden pinks. From
the upper part of the organ front hung sway
ing evergreen wreathes and basket
of marigolds. Varied floral designs in
pansies, buttercups and roses were
to be found on the walls of other por-
tons of the church. and the chandeliers were
almost hidden beneath leaty decorations The
children assembled in the church parlor, and
after forming in line" marched into the
church, singing open the door for the chill
dren." When they had adjusted themselves
in the choir, they sang Summer DAYS" and
Come fourth and bring your garlands" The
older children then marched down from the
choir to seats reserved for them in the audi
torium, and all Joined in PRAYER. After the
PRAYER, some little girls chanted the Lords
Prayer" and also sang "Hark the lilies
Whisper" Responsive readings came next
followed by chant, and the song days of
Summer glory followed by responsive read l..
in9s. All the children sang IAN over the
Valley" and Miss Bessie Long the solo
Sailing, Sailing" and the younger children
sang the chorus. Next in order came a SER
mon by the pastor on Eyes and no eyes"
Text Psi. lis IS, Eyes have they. but they
see not" At the close Of the sermon the
congregation united with the children in
singing bsptismsl hymn, and three little
boys were bsptised. The children then sang
Each little flower that opens" the congre-
CATION singing hymn, followed by the bene-
diction. The children were informed that
the service was specially for them, and thew
might enjoy it in their own way, run about.
laugh, talk, sing, or even cry, if they felt in
the mood. But sll were good natured and
did not abuse the liberty gran ted them,