The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1891-04-01
Easter AT The churches

II
Sunday dawned in the perfection of an ideal
spring morning. as if the cloud wells of the pre-
ceding night had been lifted by the rising sun
to typify the breaking of that glad day when
the Son of Righteousness dispelled the gloom of
earth's black sin mantle He rose triumphant |
from His tomb. The sweet carol of the feather
ed songsters they trilied forth their matiD |
strains awakened the stiffness of the light as it
receded before the bright radiance of the on
coming day orb and natures choir seemed, too, |
to be prophetic minstrelsy telling of the joy
full anthems that should ascend from the tenn
pies of God that day in commemoration of the
great event.
All the plans and efforts of the different
churches in Ravenna had for some weeks been
made with reference to fit celebration of Eas-
ter, and the central truth of the christians
faith, the foundation on which rests all his
hopes and belief was befittingly emphasized in
the litany of song, prayer and sermon, and
many hearts were purified and many minds
elevated by the services of the Resurrection
Day.
The program arranged by the several
churches were with one exception ali carried
out. owing to physical indisposition Rev. FIR.
Farrell, pastor of the Immaculate Church, was
unable to deliver his Easter sermon. as he had
intended, to the disappointment OF the large
congreg alton assembled at this beautiful
church, whose richly frescoed walls and costly
! memorial windows were graced by a lovely
prefusion of floral offerings that. combining the
charms of fine art with those of natures
wondrous handiwork, bevitched the eye of the
| beholders. The services were of course char
| acteristic of the Mother Church and were very
| beautiful and impressive. The singing was es-
pecially fine.
|
The pulpit of the Congre gational Church was
artistically hid beneath the dropping foliage of
rare and beautiful plants that blossomed forth
in Easter greeting. The decorations were eX-
pressive symbols of the spiritual beauty OF the
hearts revtvified in grace, and the sermon by
the pastor. Rev. S. W. Meek. was an able vindi-
cation of the christians belief in the resurrec-
tion, and fine Interpretation of the happiness
attendant upon such belief. An Easter an
them from Gounod was well rendered by the
choir.
The gracefully arehed auditorium and chan
eel of Grace Episcopal Church were in charm
ing contrast to the myriad floral faces that in
the silent eloquence of natures beauty smiled
welcome to the in coming worshipers who
filed every seat in the church The Episcopal
service is beyond description q this connection,
for its beauty of conduct and grandeur of senti-
ment cannot be portrayed in so limited space.
The talent that called it into being, the skill
| which perfected the harmony of its parts
and the benevolence breathing forth in every
line, render it we'll righ perfect and inspires
those who use it with a deep persuasion of its
complete character aud acceptableness in wor-
ship. An elaborate program of music was rem
dered by the choir, including the 'Te Deum'i
in G, 'Venite.' and a superb solo from the ac-
complished soprano. Miss Marie Leonard. The
| iS al lJVa ttra activ feat at
this church. and it was peculiarly Easter
morning. The sermon was profound logical
discourse, in which the Rector, Rev. James A.
Brown, reasoned with convincing power and
earnestness the proof of Christ's resurrection
In the afternoon at O'Clock occurred the chill
dren's service. and surely nothing can be more
inspiring or pleasing than TO see the brigh
aces of the little ones as they take their place.
in happy anticipation of the service to come
well pleased to think that op them rests the re
sponsibilities of its success failure. The room
was crowded and hearty enjoyment was de-
picted on every face
At the Methodist Church the auditorium wa:
tastefully decorated by the willing industry o.
ready hands, and the expectant attendants were
well pleased at the fine effect and beheld will
qualification the mir Cling of delicate hues thai
added their own to the beauty of this pretty
sanctuary special Easter SelectlO0S were rem
dered by the choir. and an able Easter sermon
preached by the pastor Rev. j. H. Holipgshead
In the evening children's service attracted 6
large audience, who participated heartily il
the spirit of the occasion. Many pleasing reel
tations and songs were given and the remem-
brance of that evening will be enduring.
At the Disciples Church the remembrance o.
Easter was evidenced by the preparations made
for its observance. Its handsome auditorium
gave shelter to beautiful collection of plant;
and flowers that offered up their beauty anG
fragrance with the devout worship of grateful
hearts. The pastor, Rev. E G. Laughlin, de.
livered instructive discourse. both morning
and evening, on 1.-THE Resurrection in the Ligh
of Modern Thought" ard i" Flowers for the
Grave - The church was filled at both services
Easter services in the Universalist Church
were attended by congregation that illet
both the auditorium and the Sunday schoo
room. The pulpit was almost surrounded BY
begonias. hyacinths and Gala lilies After ap,
propriate music and sermon 1.-THE Power
of the Resurrection twenty-one persons were
welcomed to the church. Several were baptiz
ed The sacred ordinance of communion wa!
observed. large portion of the congregation
participating. This church is having substan.
tial growth and is doing earnest christian work