The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1893-12-07
THANKSGIVING DAY.
HOW THE DAY WAS OBSERVED BY
THE PEOPLE OF AUSTIN.
Ths Day Bright Clear aud BeAutiful-En-
tsrtaining and Instructive Discoursss
Delivered in the Churches-Good
Cheer Everywhere.

bright and golden sun peeped up over
the eastern horizon and with its warm
and penetrating rays dispelled the
misty shadows of the night, until it
disappeared from view behind the
stately hills of the west, the day was
perfect, bright, clear and beautiful
the temperature remaining at that
point where it was necessary to cast
aside superhuous garments and enjoy
to the utmost that freedom OF body
intended by the Creator of all. Parties
which were made up weeks ago to
avail themselves of the holiday
afforded by the day and enjoy an ex-
cursion or picnic gave thanks over
and over again for the glorious day
that had been vouchsafed to them.
The people of Austin are an inde-
pendent people and each one reserved
for himself or herself the right to say
lust how the day was to be spen in
so far as they were concerned. The
STATESMAN doubts not but that every
man, woman and child in Austin
found in reviewing the history of the
past year something for which to re-
turn thanks. All of the banks, pub
lie schools aud state departments
we're closed during the entire day,
which example was followed by some
few of the business houses, most of the
stores, however, closing their doors at
noon. Despite the fact that it was
holiday occasion and the public pulse
has been fred and heated to very
high degree, the best of or
der was preserved on the
streets; little or no drunkenness was
noticed, and in fact, 80 far as could be
judged by outward appearances, the
day resembed more the Sabb lth than
an ordinary week day.
The churchgoing people observed
the day by divine worship, a union
service being held at the First Pres
byterian church. The Episcopalians
assembled at st. Davids church, while
the colored people gathered at the
Third Baptist church on Robertson
hill.
THE UNION SERVICE.
One Of the largest audiences that
has ever assembled in the First Pres
byterian church assembled there yes
terday morning at IL o'clock to par
tici pate in a union Thanksgiving
service of all the protestant churches
in the city with the exception of the
Episcopal church. The ladies of the
church had graciously donated large
quantities of flowers, which were ar
ranged around the church in q most
attractive and pleasing manner
The singing of the large choir
was an especial feature of the occa.
sion. The sermon was delivered by
Rev. Granville Jones of the Christian
church, who handled his subject in a
mastery manner Among other
things he touched on the present po'
litical questions from a moral stand
point The following receipt shows
the disposition that was made of the
collection taken up during the GER
vices:
AUSTIN, Nov. 80, 1898.
Received Of the Union Thanksgiv-
ing service held ct the First Presby-
terrain church today the sum OF SAL to
be used for the charitable work OF the
German-American Aid society.
MRS. H. M. CoGGEsHALL,
Treasurer
ST. DAvIDs CHURCH.
This beautiful sanctuary was deco.
rated by the ladies of the congrega-
tion In the usual tasteful and appro.
pirate manner that has in years past
characterized the work of their fair
hands. About the altar rail and with
in the Enclosure, crysanthemums and
potted plants were massed in
inclusion. The choir was
tho 0Ynnllant Uninaa
under the leadership of Mr.. Geo. P.
Warner, furnished music that was ex
auisite. The impressive Episcopal
services for the occasion were con.
Quoted by DIR. Lee, while the sermon
was preached by bishop Kinsolving,
his discourse being mainly history
OF the day from religious standpoint
and review of the things which have
occurred during the past year for
which we should return thanks.
The Young Peoples Societies of
Christian EndeavOr of the city made
delightful visit to the Confederate
Home yesterday afternoon, and spent
two hours very pleasantly with the
veterans, visiting the sick and bestow.
ing flowers and fruits upon all, as we'll
as an abundance OF literature, for
WnlCl the Olu eOlul0TS seeui6u very
grateful. Would that more of our cit
liens would follow the example of the
Endeavorers and take greater interest
in the Home and bestow more favors
and attention upon the veterans in
their declining years.
THE CoLoRED SERVICES.
The colored people of the city as
sembled at the Third Baptist church
over on Robertson Hill to hold their
exercises. A large number were in
attendance and the church was deco
rated in honor of the occasion. The
following interesting program was
arranged for the day:
Song, Morning Prayer, by high
school pupils.
Thanksgiving invocation, by DIR
Harold of Brennan.
Song, Come to the Forest, by high
school pupils.
Select reading, First Thanksgiving
in New England by Miss Laura
Pierce.
Recitation. Thanksgiving Hymn,
by Miss Carrie Coleman