The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-04-07
EASTER IN CHICAGO.

The ''first among Festivals of the
Christian Calendar" as Prof. Swing in
his sermon characterized Easter, was a
memorable day for the three Universal
ist churches of Chicago. In the mat
ter of music and decorations, the Catho-
lie and Episcopal churches were pre-em-
inent; but in additions to the church
membership and the emphasis placed
on the religious lessons Of the great
festival, our churches were second to
none, and wisely made music and flow
ers secondary to the chief objects of
the observance. The particulars of
the several services are given below.
The splendid results in church men,
bership at the Church Of the Redeemer
and our new parish of the Church of
our Father, will rejoice our Zion in all
parts of the land. A new era is indeed
opening for our churches III Chicago
when Easter brings such blessed har-
vest. At st. Paul's, the day was mem
orable for the large congregations, the
impressive religious ceremonies, the
large offering for our general Mission
airy work, and as the first Easter in the
new edifice.
ST. PAUL's CHURCH.
The services at st. Paapa were of unu-
sual interest. The church was well filed
with large and attentive congregation.
The decorations were simple but rich,
and heightened the beauty of the noble
edifice. The pastor preached upon I'm
mortal Life and Eternal Life" and at
the conclusion of the service ten mem
bers received the fellowship of the church.
The Easter Offering for mission work
the General and State Conventions
amounted to over 300, and will undoubt.
eddy be increased. Appropriate exercises
were held in the Sunday-school, and the
evening service was largely attended.
The friends at st. Pauls are full of hope
fulness and courage. New faces are seen
at every service and the rental OF sittings
is rapidly increasing. The coming year
promises to be one of the greatest pros
perity.
CHURCH OF OUR FATHER
Easter was duly celebrated at this
church on Sunday. Large congregations,
beautiful decorations and the true Chris
tisn spirit made it day of rejoicing.
The pastor, Rev. Mr.. Nickerson, received
twenty members into the church and
christened five children. These addi-
tons make fifty-five members received
into the church since July 10, besides the
children which have been dedicated. The
gospel meetings recently held helped to
bring about this result. In the evening
the Sunday school rendered the Easter
concert exercise of the Helper. At noon
the school witnessed the breaking OF the
Easter jugs" which yielded a contribu-
ton Of over $4,000. 1t was very happy
day for this new church. 1t testifes to
the solid progress being made in all the
essentials of a Christian church by this
new and promising congregation.
CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER.
The great day was grandly observed at
the Church of the Redeemer. Pulpit,
platform and organ loft we're profusely
decorated with flowers. Especial pains
were taken with the music. Both morn
ing and evening the editice proved too
small to contain the crowds that came to
the portals of the church, though after the
pews were filed, chairs were brought in
to fill available space. Many unable to
find standing room turned away disap-
pointed. Thirty-four new members we're
admitted, making total OF seventy-six
received since the first Of January. The
pastor has also eighteen names for adj
mission at the June communion. One Of
the new members received on Sunday
was the Rev. Ole Bendixon, Norwegian
preacher, a recent convert to Universal
ism, whose voice will be heard hereafter
among his own people advocating the
faith once delivered to the saints" Two
hundred and seventy. eight persons par
took Of the Lords Supper at this service.