The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1891-03-30
EASTER SUN DAY.
How II was Observed In Portland
Churches,

the last of March. The churches were beau
tifully decorated with flo Hers. and were
filled with worshippers. The services in the
various churches follow.
CONGRESS SQUARE CHURCH.
The scene and services at this spacious
and elegant church were of very great inter-,
est. The usual crowded Easter congregation
was present. The decorations were even
finer than usual. Behind the pulpit and I'M
der the mural picture of "The Transfgura-
ton" appeared large shield covered with
green and on this lovely monogram-H. 1.
R.. (He Is RisenD surmounted by a white
crown. To the left and right were very
many lovely Easter lilies and In front of
these beautiful potted plants. In front of
the pulpit was the usual green embankment,
and on this beautiful memorials. Among
these were those of Mr.. and Mrs. Isaac Jack
son, Mr.. Ira F. Clark, Lulie E. Rowe, Spen-
Ger Rogers, Jr., Mrs. Charles NJ. Plummer,
Mrs. N. G. Fessenden, Lillian Deane. Mary
E. and Avice Gray Adie. Mr.. B. Fl. Jones,
Mr.. Rufus Stanley and Capt. Il. 81. Foster.
By the memorial tablet and window of ex-
Governor and Mrs. Isreal Washburn, Jr.,
was pot.of lilies. The memorial picture of
Mrs. Ellen M. Barstow had dove and flow
ers. and that of Mr.. and Mrs. Leonard Bill
lings a beautiful floral Tyre. The choir gal
lery was adorned by handsome hydrangas.
The music was of an exceptionally fine
character. The regular choir was assisted
by Miss Philbrook. pianist, and Miss Good
win, yiolinist. The piece following the
scripture reading. In which organ, choir,
violin and piano blended was most delight.
full. Besides this there were two fine OPEN
ing and closing anthems and a finely rem
| dered chant.
The pastor, Rev. DR.. Henry Blanchard,
| gave sermon on "Why Jesus desires his
ministers to speak to the people on Easter
that they may study earnestly his words. u
| go tell my brethren l ascend unto my
Father and your Father-to my God and
your God" The points made were that
faith in the greatness of Jesus-intellectua
and moral-makes him a credible witness
for Immortality; that there is no validity of
evidence In Jesus temperance for the i'm
mortality Of man, unless he is also man /;
that his disciples should be encouraged to
initiate his life; that they are to live under
the inspiration of their belief that they too
are to ascend to their Father and His Father
to their God and His Con.
AT the close of the service large number
of the great congregation passed before the
memorials and large number of other
churches also came in. In the evening the
usual Sunday school Easter concert was
given.
FIRST PARISH.
The decorations at this church were no t
elaborate, being composed almost entirely OF
memorials. Among the memorials were
quantities of lilies, both annunciatIon and
callas, and these with background of palms
were very beautiful. Beside the lilies there
were two beautiful crosses. number of
baskets of choice flowers, bouquets, wreatns,
and vase of superb iacquimot roses. No.
ticeable among the decorations were some
pots Of beautiful maiden-hair ferns. In
front of the organist and fastened to the
music rest of each member of the choir were
large bouquets Of ionquils and ferns. DR..
Hill delivered an exceedingly interesting
sermon, taking as his text Mark TX, 10. Ow.
ing to DR.. HIPS recent illness the scriptural
lessons and hymns were read by Mr.. George
G. Burgess.
The music was of a very high order and
magnifcently rendered, especially the an
them, "Christ Our Passover" The vespsr
service was conducted by DR.. Dalton. At
this service the music was exceedingly fine,
Kotzschmar's TIE Deum deserving especial
notice. The following is the programme:
Morning Service.
Easter Anthem-Chrst Our Passover 80 Schilling
Hymn-Resurrection of Christ ........... SWeetsir
Hymn-Rsing with Christ. .:......:..:..... Hewes
Authenticity, Holy, Holy, Lord God.... Gounod
Evening Servtce.
Gloria Patra. ...Bialla
Vesper Hymn-Suike the Cymbal. ........ Pucitta
Aria-He was Despised. Handel
Chant-Lords PRAYER. Jones
Hymn-All Hail the Power. Holden
ST. STEPHENS CHURCH.
AT this church the congregation was
the largest ever seen in the church.
The decorations were simple, yet very eff
fective in arrangement and pleasing to the
eye. The front of the pulpit and reading
desk were covered by mass of red pinks
and azaleas. The font was filled with gilly
flowers and Easter lilies which were else
where about the church in great profusion.
An elegant cross of red and white flowers
stood in the chancel. There were many en-
blems for the dead placed about the church
and the memorial window of James Walcott
Brown was appropriately decorated.
Among the communicates at this Easter
service was one who has not failed to be
present for 60 consecutive years. The Easter
anniversary of the Sunday school was held
In the afternoon with reports, addresses,
cards and emblems. The exercises were
very interesting, the singing spirited and the
school reported in highly prosperous con-
dition. DIR. Dalton's sermon on the res
direction was timely and impressive. The
choir gave this programme excellently:
Anthem-As it Began to Dawn. Vincent
Chant-Christ Our Passover. Hayes
GlOrla falrld III .moSenLnal
Gloria Patra in F.. .Ryser
Gloria Patrla In C............ BUCK
lie Otun III a: Darley
Jubilate Dec In B........................W Warren
Hymn-Christ the Lord is Risen Today. -. Mozart
Hymn-Jesus Lives. ......................Bu Burrows
III N41a- Mad Y-s-