The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1886-04-29

one-being delivered by Rev. P. Hurth.
His sabject was "The Grandeur of Faithn
At the celebration of high mass the
choir rendered Bordese's Mass in highly
creditable manner.
At this church morning service was con-
Quoted by Reverend E. O. McIutire.
its pastor. The subject of the
discourse was, "The Resurrection
of Our God; its Teachings and
Benefits" The theme was treated in an
able and eloquent sermon, and was list
ened to with rapt attention by large and
appreciative congregation. The choir
selections were appropriate to the occa-
sion and were admirably rendered
MULBERRY STREET METHODIST CHURCH.
The church was beautifully and taste
fully decorated, profusion of flowers
and evergreens on the right and left and
in front of the pulpit, and overhead, in
the rear, was cross with the motto, HE
is Risen."
Sermons by Rev. w. w. Pinson, the
pastor. Two beautiful anthems were
sung by the choir. The subject was "The
First Resurrection" Notwithstanding the
inclemency of the weather, there was
good congregation present. At the close
of the sermon two members were re-
ceived into the church.
At night a service was held for the
benefit of the young men. A large crowd
was present. Subject: Dangers and
Safeguards" Text: SIS the young man
Absolom safer" At the close about forty
men pledged themselves to engage in
working for the salvation of young men,
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
This church was Respondent with floral
decorations, noticeable among which was
a rare and beautiful Gala lily standing
just on the left of the desk. Mrs. Browns
choir exhibited unmistakable evidence of
careful training.
DR.. Smoot read the 2Sth chapter of
Matthew, and proceeded to give succinct
account of the weekly and annual festivals
of the early church. He said the Sabbath
was a weekly festival commemorative of
Christs resurrection, and that Easter is
the annual commemoration of this same
event; that it was the Christian Passover,
the central idea of which was crucitied
and risen Christ. Proceeding he showed
ing Easter in the early churches had
given rise to frequent and violent contro-
versy, some laying stress on the death,
others on the resurrection of Christ. At
first intended as matter of discipline, it
later on passed into dogma, and became
rule of faith.
Throughout Catholic countries, the
speaker said, the festival is celebrated
with all the paraphernalia of pomp and
splendor. The Anglican Episcopal -
church also observe it with great devotion.
He commended that it was question of
discipline and training, rather than of
practical faith, belonging more properly
to the culture than to the creed. Hence,
those churches which have no ritual do
not, as rule observe these festivals of
the early church, combining themselves to
the weekly celebration of Sunday in mem
DRY of the resurrection of the Lord.
ST. DAvID's CHURCH.
large congregation, crowding even
the standing capacity of the church, as
sembled at st. Dayid's, both at IL and
o'clock on Sunday last,
The church was most beautifully deco
rated with floral offerings, and illuminated
to its full gas-lighting capacity, thus Civ
ing very bright and rich effect. The
front of the choir gallery was also hung
with exquisite emblems appropriate to
the day. The musical feature of the
morning service had been given especial
attention, and the choir may we'll be
proud of its unquestioned success.
The solos, of which there were a num-
I0, Hyo1r nd he
full chorus was very strong and well sus-
tanned. The music was bright and spark
ling, as we'll as BETTING a joyous Easter
tide.
DR. Lees sermon, adapted to the day,
voiced the central thought of "The Lord
of the living and the Read." He spoke
earnestly and beautifully to an attentive
audience.
The afternoon service was devoted to
the Sunday school. The choir, composed
of Sunday school scholars, sang "Onward,
Christian Soldiers" and to this marching
cry the rest of the school filed into the
church and twice circled around the
main aisles, at length finding seats
at the front of the church. Mr. Os-
ceola Archer, the superintendent of the
school. had charge of the opening exer-
cises.
The infant daughter of Mr.. and Mrs.
w. p. Gaines, and the daughter of Cap
tain j. l.. Myrick, were baptized. After
which DR.. Lee delivered short sermon.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
There was no special Easter service at
this church, though an interesting and
appropriate sermon was delivered by Rev.
E. B. Wright the pastor. A choice selec-
ton of church music was rendered in a
highly creditable manner by the choir.
The attendance at both morning and
evening services was large and appreciG
tive. But few days since the annual re-
ports of church officers and pastor were
published in the columns of The STATES
MAN, showing its present condition and
future prospects.
From this rapid resume of Easter days
church work it will be seen that the citl-
zenship of Austin comprises community
of church-builders and church-goers such
community as may challenge compar-
ison with any city of equal population in
the state. 1t has long been known as the
city of beautiful homes; it may now add
to this the appellation of "the city OF
churches"
G.. B.-You are right in your wager.
T,,f NJ t,a1 oInl1 nfr1un