Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-04-20
ALL IN ONE CHURCH.
Commemorative Union Services Held
in st. Andrews Episcopal
l PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATION
Of the Much Discussed Doctrine of Chris
tian Unity Given.
MANY DENOMINATIONS PARTICIPATE

The much discussed doctrine of Christian
unity was practically supported in st. An
drew's Episcopal Church, on Ninth street,
yesterday afternoon. The services were in
commemoration of the three hours of agony
suffered by Christ on the cross. The open
ing prayers were offered by Rev. Mr..
Thompson, of st. James Episcopal Church.
Then Rev. DR.. White, of st. Andrews,
made few Introductory remarks, in which
he said that the afternoon services were in
practical demonstration of the doctrine of
Christian unity. The gathering together of
ministers from almost every Protestant de-
nomination, and their common worship of
the great Jesus, who died on the cross many
centuries ago, would do more toward bring
ing His followers together than any other
possible means. These services tended to
show that the spirit of unity is common
among Christians. and during the afternoon
they were literally together at the foot of
the cross"
The seven' sentences uttered by Jesus
while on the cross furnished texts for the
short addresses made.
GREAT FORGIVENESS.
Rev. DR.. E. P. Cowan, of the Third Pres
byterian Church, took as his text the words,
"Fatherl forgive them, they know not what
they do" He spoke of the great pardon
asked by Jesus for those who were cruelty
ing Him, and drew the lesson that this
pardon is still as freely extended.
Rev. DIR. Mcmillan, of the Second U. P.
Church, Allegheny, chose as his text the
words, 'Verily say to thee, to-day shalt
thou be with me in Paradise"
Rev. DR.. FELTON,, of Christ NJ. E. Church,
spoke upon the words, ''My God, My God,
why hast Thou forsaken me?' He depicted
Christ's great agony when he uttered these
words and His boundless love for the people
of this world, for whom He suffered.
Rev. DR.. Mech, rector of Christ Episco-
pal Church, Allegheny, chose as his text
the two words 81 thirst" His address was
very interesting, and OF high literary tone.
1T is finished" was the text of Rev.
Howard B. Grose, of the Fourth Avenue
Baptist Church. He spoke of Christ meek
ly bowling His head and dying, the great
battle just finished, and the victory won by
Christ over Satan-man's redemption full
filed by Christ's death.
MOTHER AND SON.
The third saying, Behold thy mother"
was treated upon by Rev. Dr. Sproul, of the
Reformed Presbyterian Church. He spoke
of Christ's great love for His mother, and
her agony as she knelt at the foot of the
cross.
Rev. Mr.. Mackay, of st. Peters, spoke
upon His last words on the cross: "Father,
unto Thy hands 1 commend my spirit
The climax of the divine tragedy and the
tremendous sacrifice made by Christ fur
nished the material for his eloquent dis
course.
Rev. Mr.. Wightman, assistant minister of
st. Andrews Church, lead in the conclud-
ing prayers.
Rev. Mr.. Maxwell, of the Trinity Church,
concluded the services with prayers and
benediction.
The musical part of the service was we'll
rendered.
Several of the most beautiful portions of
the oratorios, Calvary" by Spohr, and
'The Crucifxion," by Stainer, were
rendered with fine effect and feeling. The
choir was composed of Mrs. Mellon, soprano;
Mrs. Fox, alto; w. II. Stephens, tenor, and
Samuel Anderson, bass Mr.. L. G. Webster
was director and organist.
The church was we'll filed, and the con-
gregatIon was composed of members OF the
churches whose pastors took part in the
services.
Good Friday was also generally observed
yesterday. ALI the Catholic and Episcopal
churches of the two cities held special
services. A great many of the railroad
offices, court rooms, banks and other places
were closed