The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1892-10-19

Last Sunday was gala daY at the 1mmacu-
late Conception Church, where were held SER
vices commemorative of the discovery of our
country.
From the Church belfry was to be seen float
ing to the breeze, the flag :of our nation, while
lower down the tower, from each buttress, was
suspended the American shield. The interior
decoration. though not elaborate. was neat and
appropriate. consisting of festoons of bunting,
with here and there sthe national shield inter-
vening
AS the hour for services approached, the
children congregated in the school rooms. over
the door of which was also an American shield,
and thence marched to the Church. singing as
they advanced. " The Flag of the Free' The
boys carried flags whilst the girls wore sashes
At the conclusion of the services the children
countermarched, singing, "Columbia, My
Country
During the services appropriate remarks
were made by the pastor, who spoke of the
honor and credit which were due to the brave
discoverer-Columbus. He said: 1t would in
deed be sad day for this or any other country,
when its citizens ignore the bravery of their
forefathers and the noble deeds of their ances-
trail heroes, He then pointed out the ibrave de-
votion, the undaunted courage. and enduring G
perseverance of this mariner to his project
until success crowned his noble efforts; land
when at the zenith of his glory. how his Faith
shone forth with luster and his religious being
gave praise to his Crea tor-the just gratitude OF
the creature to his Creator. The trials and
hardships which he underwent during his per-
ilous voyage were as naught, compared with
the trials which were now about to fall to
his lot. Evi-minded men, jealous of his sue
cess (emissaries OF Satan they were) used every
n of
honors. by lowering his character in the eyes of
his benefactress, the good Queen Isabella, and
her spouse, Ferdinand. Not even did their dev-
iIish intentions and evil plans fail to use that
foul and damnable monster. calumny. the curse
of our race. But Columbus did not guide the
ship OF his life by that tickle standard, royal
favor. nor by that false IDOL the unsteady cur
rent of popular favor, which is as uncertain as
the winds that blow from the heavens. Devo-
tion to principle, devotion to truth. the support
of right because it is right. opposition to wrong
because it is wrong, these formed his standard,
They are the only safe guide to true celebrity.
Hence the celebrity which is his is true, the re-
nown which is his endures.
he speaker then paraphrased the virtues and
the genius of Columbus his brave devotion to
principle, his efforts for the benefit of humanity
by the spread of the Gospel; and he exhorted
his hearers to have the same devotion to princi-
pie, the same standard to celebrity, the same
untiring effort in spreading the true light and
true knowledge by the gospel ofJesus Christ,
and thus benefting the human race-particu-
larly our fellow citizens, as Charity begins at
home." and he bid them. in the words of the
inspired writer. Give praise to men of re.
nown." Let your aspirations of joy, said he.
ascend high in the armament, your songs OF
triumph pierce the very clouds. your prayers OF
thanksgiving ascend before the throne of God
"who ordereth all tn ngs rightly" and who is
| the Benefactor of benetactors.
The services concluded with the singing oi
| the TIE Deum'' or "Holy God." by the choir
and children.