Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1886-04-30
EASTER SUNNAN.
How the Day was Observed by the
Churches of Burlington.

NnuIfntS VI ilhEioh'
Easter Sunday had its usual elaborate
observance at the various churches in
this city and unusually large congre-
cations were present MS rule. The
College street church was very elaborate
ly and beautifully decorated, the entire
auditorium being lined with flowers,
vines and evergreen. Very handsome fes
toons of running pine, arranged so as to let
the light pass through them as they cross.
ed the windows, extended along the walls,
and every window seat was made a little
bower of vines and blossoms. On the
wall back of the pulpit were the words in
cedar, Christ is Risen," and underneath
them II cross. On the front of the reading
desk was Il superb Tyre made entirely of
arbutus blossoms, the fragrance of which
filed the room. Beneath and around this
central piece was u handsomely arranged
mass of hot-house plants, many of themin
flower. There was also a handsome vase
Of flowers upon stand on the platform.
Below the platform, and near the organ,
was "A bed of delicate blossoms and vines,
surmOunted in the CenlTe by vase of
choice flowers. The varied programme of
music was cNcellentlY rendered by tho
choir and organist. Rev Mr.. Carter the
pastor preached from Col. ii, 10, r. the
thoughts suggested by the theme being
the JOY which the Easter festival brings
to the world, its place in the Christian
symtem, and its proclamation of the
Christians greatest privilege participa-
ton with Christ in his resurrection In
the afternoon, there was children
Easter service. with music, responsive
readings, and an Easter address to the
children.
AT the First Baptist church the floral
decorations were very elaborate and beau
tiful. In front of the pulpit there was u
large bank of towering and foliage plants
arranged in an artistic manner and mt the
summit stood an elegant cross composed
entirely of callas, enCirCled by large
wreath of the same material On either
side stood large and handsome crosses Of
colored flowers Rev. Mr. Parry preached
on deaths destruction, ana the Choir rem
dered an elaborate programme of music
In the evening there was Il childrenS ser
vice, consisting OF carols, re, pOnsive read
ings and an Easter address to the children
by the pastor.
The usual brilliant display of flowers
was made at st. Paul's church, the fine
effect of which was enhanced by the hand
some uniforms of the Knights Icmplar
who attended in body. \ large aud ele-
giant white cross standing in a mass of
white flowers and evergreen decorated the
reredos, and there We're white losses also
on the lecturn and the font, while Il large
wreath of white flowers was suspended
from the pulpit. Wreaths of colored
flowers decorated the ends of the seats oc-
cupied by the choir. Rev. DR.. Bliss oflici
ated assisted by Rev. Prof. Sears aud Rev.
u. a. Hopkins. The usual services were
held in the evening.
The floral decorations at the Berean
Baptist church were very pretty and so
arranged as to set off the cosy little audi
forum to the best advantage. The front
of the pulpit was entirely hidden from
view in profusion of plants and flowers,
and both to the right and left of the pulpit,
and he whole lpnuth pf the nlattnru1
the green foliage extended in a thick
mass. Geraniums, fucnSiaS, lilies, etc,
in pots composed the body of the decora-
ton, while on five stands artstically dis
posed We're baskets of May flowers.
AT the Unitarian church the display of
flowers was very attractive, and a de-
liciOuS perfume, was ditlused through the
whole house by the trailing arbutus that
tlled numerous baskets. On stand and
on the floor in front of the pulpit were
many pots of house plants, both blooming
and without flowers, forming a mass of
Vai1-cOlOred foliage from the floor TO the
top of the pulpit Around the upright
gas light at the left of the pulpit was
tWlned a luxurious growth Of English ivy
and in the corresponding position on the
other size was a magnificent fuChsa in
full bloom. Here and there large baskets
OF aNbutUs were interSperSed among the
other flowers, and on the desk itself WAS
an elaborate basket of hut-house flowers
presented 10y eX Mayor Morse The rend
ering of The special Easter musical pro
gramme 10y the choir was finely done and
ellclted favorable comment ON every hand.
As at the rest of the churches the First
church Easter decoration consisted IN the
main of pOtted plants, 10th foliage and
blooming, arranged - A. To form bank
of green and bright Colurs from the floor
up 10 tie pulpit, quite hiding 1t from
view. On either eud OF the platform
there were two vases Of beautiful Easter
tr.ass 1r4,