Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1899-04-08
EASTER SERVICES.
The Joyous Event ElaborateIy CeEe
brated in the Various Churches.

ceedingly unpleasant.
Because of the March like weather
there were few Easter bonnets and fewer
spring suits. The day was great disaE
pointment to those who had their new
spring gowns and Easter bonnets, to say
nothing of the chagrin OF the young men
who had new tailor made spring suits
which they did not care to have covered
with dust SO they laid them away until a
more seasonable day. Towards evening,
however, the wind subsidized and the air
grew warmer.
The churches during the day were well
attended, and in the afternoon many peo-
pie were on the streets. The day closed
bright and clear and the stars came out to
look down on most joyous Easter day
spent.
LUTHERAN.
The joyous Easter-tide, as is the usual
custom, was extensively observed IN St.
Johns Lutheran church.
Nearly the entire day there were servi-
ces Of some kind going on. The anthems
and music rendered by the choir and Sun
day School were of the highest order,
much rehearsing being done in advance.
The church choir was somewhat handi-
capped by the absence of several mem
bers on account OF sickness.
At O'Clock a. m. the early dawn SER
vice occurred at which Rev. c. S. Trump
delivered an address and the choir render
ed several anthems.
At eleven clock at the regular service,
special music was rendered, at which
time beautiful solos were sung by Misses
Lizzie Muth and Clara Wolfes. At this
service the reception of members took
place and five applicants were admitted
to church membership through contirma-
ton and certificates from other churches.
Rev. Trump did not confirm his class Of
young people. but will do so at Whtson-
tide. The Holy Communion was also
administered at this service.
In the afternoon at three O'Clock the
Sunday School held its Easter exercises,
which were elaborate and extensive. The
service used was The Conquering King,
published by McCalla and Co, Philadel-
phia and was one of the best ever used
by the Sunday School. The exercises
consisted of recitations, solos, choruses,
etc, and the music was well rendered. An
orchestra of five pieces assisted in the
music and added much to the rendition
of it. Rev. !. w. Richards, ID. d., Pro-
fessor of the Theological school at
Gettysburg, who was assisting Rev.
Trump during the day, delivered choice
address on Church Extention, A num-
Der of children were baptised by Rev
Trump at this hour. Among the special
features of the exercises was the rendition
of THE Sweet Old Strain. and Little
Shells to Break"
At 6. 30 p. m. an Easter service was
held by the Y. p. S. c. L. Of the church
at which an appropriate song and Scrip
ture program was given.
At 7.3o p. m. the usual church service
was held at which Dr. Richards delivered
an interesting and eloquent sermon, after
which the Lords Supper was again adj
mniStered.
The church was attractively trimmed
and presented beautiful appearance, re-
fleeing much credit on the good taste OF
the committee in charge. In the front
of the pulpit was erected large arch
trimmed in green in the centre Of which
hung suspended large cross of white
lilies, and above which was motto in
green with white back ground, Christ
is Risen" Covering the floor at the sides
and front of the pulpit were potted plants,
ferns, palms, and blooming flowers, the
beautiful Easter lily predominating.
Large crowds were present at all the
services. All in all the exercises of the
dav were the best ever held in the church,
and many hearts were made glad by at
tendance at the Joyous Easter services.
REFORMED.
The Easter services in the Reformed
church Sunday were most Impressive.
The early morning service, at SIX o'clock,
was well attended. The music of the
choir was under the direction OF Prof.
Fred Luscomb and the selections rem
dered by the choir were by some OF the
best composers of sacred music. The
choir was assisted by small orchestra.
The address was delivered by Rev. {. j..
Musser, of Philadelphia, editor of the Re-
formed Church Messenger and was n
thorough keeping with the spirit OF the
Resurrection which the glorious Easter
day celebrates.
The floral decorations, although not so
elaborate as at former times. were very
pretty and the design on the altar, of a
large white cross behind large palm
with large cluster of Easter lilies on
either side, made most appropriate and
beautiful design. The Holy Communion
was celebrated al lo45.
The seating capacity of the church was
taxed to its utmost at this service and
chairs had to be placed in the aisles to
accommodate the large congregation.
Rev. Musser delivered the sermon and
assisted in administering the communion.
The number of COMMITMENTS was the
largest m the history of the congregation.
The children's service in the afternoon
at four O'Clock was exceedingly interest
ing and the address to the children by
Rev. Musser was most unique and made
the death, burial and resurrection of the
Saviour Jesus Christ, so plain that each
child was particularly interested and was
able to underestimate.