The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-05-29

Elaborate Ceremonies-George ii. Thomas
Post and the Light Infantry Present.
Every inch of the large auditorium OF
the Tabernacle Church was required yes
terday morning at the memorial service in
recognition of the loyal soldier dead. The
occasion was made doubly interesting by
the presence of the Light Infantry In full
dress uniform. of which DE-. Rondthaler is
chaplain. This troop OF militia acted as
escort TO the veterans of George II. Thomas
Post, TO whom the trappings of
war were dread realities teeming
with blood, tears and the joys OF
hsrd-won victory. It was to the latter q
service of devotion to memories Of patriot
ism. and to the former the soldier youth of
the State. q sacred lesson in patriotism.
portrait Of General Thomas hung TO the
left of she organ.
The church was beautifully embellished
with drapings of the national colors. Flags
hung in graceful folds about the organ.
The pulpit was clad in the colors. upon
shield and flag. The rostrum was made to
recall the camp. by rifles stacked on either
side of the altar. and small flags were
arranged in the earth of vessels
holding palms and blooming plants. Cut
flowers further added beauty 10 the scene.
large silken banner inscribed with the
words, Teach Patriotism in the Public
Schools" was conspicuous to the right OF
the organ. 1t needed nothing else to recall
Wallace Foster. and TO know that though
deprived of hearing. the service would
be witnessed by him. In his DIS
course, Dr. RondthsleF spoke earnestly
in Endorsement of the sentiment
in the inscription. and Mr. Foster must
\, hf Of hszrxx DE-
gestures toward that banner, which has
been conspicuous in the ranks of soldier
professions in the leading cities of America.
The small flag presented TO him by school
children. who wrought lt of silk and en-
broidered the etars upon the blue field was
conspicuous In the foreground OF the altar
The banner had attracted the attention Of
. lady who had tho children make the f1a4
for Mr.. Foster on account of the impressicf
due to the inscription. 4
The halls of the auditorium were hung
with great flags. blending their WARN
eolors with those of the massive STAINED
glass windows. Over each small window
was festoon of coiors. The effect al the
whole decoration was inspiring. and\with
the patriotic words of the preacher ohator
and the stirring music, the service was ene
smlnently edifying and successful. e
The MUSIC was chosen in harmony
with the. occasion. It included the
national hymn. My Country. 'ISs IF
Thee" Eichberg's otfertOry. TO ThAe. o
Country" u memorial hymn. and Kill
bridges Give Ne the Wings of Faith. by
the choir. This was sung to the air of
''Tenting on the Old Camp Ground IL
was made almost dramatic by the aid Of
puele which blended with the organ at the
first with reveIlle coll, and between the
verses sounded the advance. The climax
was reached when the music died
away TO the sound of taps. The
effect was thrilling. and moved many of the
sturdy old veterans to silent tears. The
scene is one so full of a rare order of pleas
ure that the wish for photograph of the
church interior with the martial decora-
tions was expressed. and the camera Will
be brought into It's preventative use to-
day.
The discourse was founded upon the texts
Deuteronomy, Nv, ~:
Ask now of the days that are past,
And from the thirty second chapter and
seventh verse of the same book:
Remember now thy days of old. consider the
years OF many generations; ask thy father and
he will lead thee, and thy elders and they will
tell thee
The Scripture was further quoted from
Psalms cxlv, 4:
One generation shall praise thy works to an
other and shall declare thy mighty acts. I will
OF thy wOndrOus works And men shall speak
OF thy might thy terrible acts, and will declare
thy greatness. They shall eternally utter the
memory or thy great goodness and shall sing
thy righteousness.
The occasion was one invested with IN
spIrstion for elOquence as well as patriot
ism. and che veterans. the Light Infantry
aud the general audience. which occupied
the sunday school room, djacent. but con-
Meeting with open folding doors, were pro-
fuse in their congratulations TO the rever-
end orator after the benediction had been
nrOnOunced