The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1895-04-17

Easter was celebrated in Rayenna, both at |
the home and in the Church, and the signif-
icance of the anniversary seemed to take a
deeper hold on the public mind than has
sometimes been the case. In its purely re-
ligious and moral character, lit seemed to i'm
part its lessons and teachings more generally
and to speak different language to many
persons accustomed heretofore to regard the
day with seeming Indifference. Apart from
its relations to the Christian world, its story
of the resurrection was associated by the
people at large with the season of new life
and new hope in the physical world.
OF course there we're the inevitable Easter
bonnets. and the individual vestures design
ed beforehand for the day, but this has come
to be part of the modern Easter, so far as
external appearance is concerned, and we
mention it merely as an "exterior Incl
dental.''
But passing from the home and communi-
ty to the Churches we find that there were
large congregations at each of the several
houses of worship, in most of which special
services were held.
The Congregational Church was filled in
every available space. The chancel and
pulpit were appropriately decorated with
plants and flowers that lifted their perfumed
heads in floral greeting to the glad Easter
morn, lovely types of the spotless purity
that belonged to the Master, in honor of
whose triumphant life, death and resurrec-
ton the celebration was had.
Finer Church music was never listened to
in Ravenna. The rendition of the anthem
" The Resurrection" by the quartette and
choir, and the beautiful offertory, 1.-THE
Magdalene," by the quartette, was listened
to by the great congregation with much sat
isfaction. The pastor gave valuable hVe
minutes talk to the children, which was lis
tened to with marked attention by the little
folks, who occupied the front seats. A synop-
sis of the sermon appears in another column.
In the evening an Easter concert was given
by the Sunday School.
The Methodist Church presented an ap-
pearance in full harmony with glad
Easter" The pretty auditorium was made
to blossom in floral offerings and the chancel
and choir loft were fairly enbosomed in the
beauteous tributes. One of the decorations of
unusual attention was cross composed OF
empty eggshells to the number of so dozen,
pendant from the arch Immediately back of
the pulpit. Special Easter music was we'll
rendered by the choir, which contains some
of the best talent IN town.
The Pastor, Rev. H D. Stauffer, preached
an able as we'll as an impressive sermon
from the words /" Jesus Christ Conquers." j."
The theme was suggested by an inscription
containing these words, said to be still legi-
nf "a faT1 n
Constantinople, at present used as a Moham-
medan Mosque. After the sermon the ordi-
nance of baptism was administered. In the
evening there was an Easter Missionary SER
vice, and nothing more gladdening or touch
ing to the human heart could be imagined
than the little children, whose sweet faces
and sparkling eyes bearned upon the con-
gregation in the infinite happiness of sunny
hearted innocence. Little Marie Seibel. five
years old, was ineffably sweet and winsome,
and little ELLA Gardner was particularly
interesting. Miss Weaver and two brothers
rendered "Nearer my God to Thee" with
fine effect, on the piano, clarionet and violin.
At the Church of the Immaculate Concep-
ton Low Mass was celebrated at a. m, and
High Mass at 10 a. m. The theme OF the
morning discourse was From Death to
Life" In the evening the pastor took for
| his subject {" Catholic Ceremonies" Large
| congregations were present both morning
and evening, and the handsome Church in
terror was tastefuIly and appropriately dec
grated with the emblems of Easter. The
choir sang with fine effect some choice selec-
tions prepared especially for the day.
| o,,l To
were held in the Universalist Church. The
| house was artistically decorated with living
plants and flowers. At 10: 80 a m. there was
fine music, an appropriate sermon by the
pastor, the reception of two men to the
| Church and Communion service. In the
evening the Y. P. C. U. presented an inter
teresting program of music, recitations, read
| ings, and an original paper. Large and
deeply interesting congregations were pres
ent at both services.
At the Disciple Church the Pastor took an
appropriate Easter theme, and preached an
excellent Sermon.
The Grace Church Sunday School had a
special service in the afternoon, in which
singing and recitations constituted a very
enjoyable part of the program.
Rev. o. A, Richards has accepted a call tc
the pulpit of church in Beaver Falls, Pa.
and departs for his new field of labor Friday
his family following the next day. He oc
cupied his Ravenna pulpit for the last time
Sunday evening. In the removal of Rev
Richards the Church of which he has been
pastor for nearly three years, will lose very
efficient minister and an eminently success
full worker. Its interests and those of its
parish were never committed to better keep.
| ing, and it is not to be wondered at that the
people among whom he has labored so faith
fully and we'll are 10th to part with him and
SO deeply regret the pending separation from
one to whom they are profoundly attached
In this regret the community will participate
for no citizen ever enjoyed more fully the
confidence and esteem of his fellow towns.
people. The PRESS has always sustained
pleasant and cordial relations with him, and
could our wishes prevail Ravenna would be
to him ' continuing city" for many years
to come. We wish him success and com.
mend him to the citizens of Beaver Falls
| whose good fortune in securing him is only
equalled by our loss.
sS---
A highly enjoyable Piano Recital was lis
| tened to last Saturday afternoon by COM
pany of invited guests, at the pleasant home
of Mr.. and Mrs. w. D. Armstrong, West
Main street. A choice program was well
| rendered by the pupils of Miss Armstrong,