Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-06-10
CENTURY AND HALF.
ST. JOHNS CHURCH TO CELEBRATE
ITS ANNIVERSARY TO-DAY.
interesting Exercises Arranged - Ad-
dresses by Bishop Randolph and Mr..
Henry-Other Features Of Note.

II has been the custom from time imme-
mortal for the Henrico parishioners to
eongregate on the anniversary Of the erec-
ton OF st. Johns Episcopal church-the
tenth day of June-and hold services ap-
propriate TO the occasion.
To-day an order of exercises will be pre-
sented that will be in full keeping with
similar, though more modest, observances
In the historic past.
The old church, with which are asso-
clated so many sacred memories. bedecks
itsen In glorious attire this morning and greets
the coming OF its one hundred and fifsieth birth
uay IN us festive array with joyful song.
THE DECORATIONS.
Fair hands have been untring In their efforts
70 decorate the little chancel, aud the exquisite
cut-nowers given by Mrs. Thornton and Mr.. w.
l. smith give q beautifully vRriegated hue 10
the terracing, while potted plants Of every de-
edihce.
The baptismslfont. which precedes in an
uqulty even st. Johns, and which belonged 10
the Curies church Of medieval times, IL abun-
dantly and profusely draped and fllled with
choicest specimens Of botanical CIVILIZATIONS
THE ANGEL LgcTERN.
During these services the handsome "angel
lectern will be used for the first time. This
handiwork, and at the cost Of $3.50 has been
presented by the congregation 10 the church. IL
ls hye feet two inches in height, the frame and
hgure being in gttering bronze. The angel
mas been given delicate satin finish. while
across its breast is fastened a Greek cross, The
Do0k-rest is very beautifully embellished. On
the band near the floor, which Is encircled by the
three Rilded shafts, are engraved these words:
" A thank-ofIering 70 God by the congregation on
the one hundred ana fftieth anniversary OF the
erection OF 81 Johns church, OF Richmond, Vir-
ginia, June l0th, 1741, and 1891"
Upon the book-rest Of this handsome piece OF
onancel furniture has been placed magnificent
Bible, the gift OF Captain and Mrs. Cyrus Bos-
sieux, the former being the Junior warden Of the
church.
THE OPENING sERvIcR.
O'Clock.
At the urgent request Of tho rector, Rev. Lewis
w. Burton, ID. D., Right Rev. +. M. Whlttle,
bishop Of the diocese. will conduct the exercises.
The bishops and clergy are TO be received at
the entrance Of the church by the church-war-
dens and vestrymen Of all tho Episcopal churches
In Henrico parish and Manchester. They will 90
up the aisle Of the church 20 the communion
table repeating the twenty-fourth Psalm alter
nately, the Bishop one verse and the rest an
other, according to the order followed at the con-
secration Of Episcopal churches.
The address win be delivered by Right Rev.
A. NJ. Randolph, ID. d., assistant bishop Of the
diocese, who will dwell upon the history OF 81.
Johns church and Henrico parish. He will treat
his subject rather from standpoint OF the pny-
losophy Of the history Of the parish, not reciting
the dry details Of facts, but dealing with the
principles involved.
An especially adapted selection Of hymns and
psalms has been made, and printed pamphlets
containing the entire services both morning and
night will be distributed among the congrega-
ton.
THE EVENING SERVICE.
The evening service will be short and will COM
mence at s o'clock. Ii will open with the song
Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge"
after which Hon. William Writ Henry, Ii. D.,
Of this city, will deliver an address.
Mr.. Henry Is q grandson OF Patrick Henry and
will naturally centre his interests In that scene
which was witnessed within those walls when
the house Of the Burgesses met in the second
Virginia convention and the renowned states
man fred all hearts with those soul-stlrring
words, Give me liberty or give me DEATH
1t is expected that Bishop Wilmer, OF Ala
bama, will attend the services both morning and
evening"