The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1899-04-05
Easter in Montpelier,

Snow covered hills, chilling winds and a
zero temperature ushered in Easter morning
at Montpelier. The mourning garments OF
the Lenten season still remained in the
natural world, making the day seem, in
some respects, more like season of peni-
tence than OF rejoicing. But it was Easter
morning, nevertheless and vibrant church
bells called large congregations to the va
rious churches to celebrate Christ's triumph
over death. The story of loves redeeming
work was told in eloquent sermons and
harmonious music. supplemented by dis
tinctive creeds and rites so dear to the
hearts OF worshipers in the land of religious
freedom.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
Easter was observed at the Baptist church
on Sunday in transformations but impress
sive services. The altar was tastefully dec
GRATED with cut flowers and potted plants
Special Easter music had been prepared by
the choir for the morning service at which
Rev. W. A. Dawson, the pastor, treated the
subject, docs Death End ALP" in his
usual clear and forcible manner impressing
upon his hearers that Christ has conquered
death and that now the question rested
with them as to whether or not they would
participate in this grand victory. At seven
in the evening well selected Easter pro-
gramme comprising Rotations and must.
cal selections was rendered by the members
OF the Sunday-school A short address OF
chorus selections by the school were of es-
pecial merit and comprised "Esster Morn
ing" "Chime Softly, Bells of Easter" and
"Sweetly the Birds are Singing" Recita.
tons were rendered as follows: IAN Easter
Song" by Martha Woodward; "Resurrec-
tion," Edna Gabree; "Risen," Anna Styles;
I'VE. Too Shall Rise" Jesse Crossett; ri
Wonder If in Heaven" Clifton Gabree;
"Sweet Easter Bells" Effie Jack; 1.-THE
King OF Glory" Anna Hutchins; easter
Morning." Bessie Smith. A male quar-
tette comprised OF d. X. Gallagher, Charles
Holmes, Walter Paine aud Fred Carr rem
dered the selection Grown Him." in a
pleasing manner. The primary class in the
song Look Up" and the lily class OF little
girls dressed in white carrying Easter lilies
in song and recitation showed the perfec-
ton to which little mites can attain. Miss
Ada Hutchins in the soprano solo, "The
Resurrection" demonstrated the power and
sweetness OF her voice. Probably the most
unique feature of the programme was the
song "Let Us Rejoice" by sextette OF
girls comprising Misses Alice Crossett. Bes-
sic Smith, Anna Hutchins, Anna Styles
Edna Gabree and Martha Woodward.
Mrs. George Barber and Miss e. Maud
Crossett, who had the preparation of the
concert In charge, are entitled to much
credit for its success.
AT BETHANY CHURCH.
AT both morning and evening services,
the auditorium OF Bethany church was we'll
filled. The floral decorations, arranged in
bouquets about the desk and choir rail,
were very effective because OF the SIMPLE
ity OF taste which had been observed. At
the morning service w. A. Briggs presided
at the organ in his usual mastery manner
and special Easter music was most har.
moniously rendered by double choir COM
posed OF Miss Ii. Julia Cross and Mrs. II.
FL. Merrill, sopranos; Mrs. George =. Mills
and Miss Bertha Stratton, as contraltos;
Joseph Viau and @. III. Shipmap, tenors;
III. ID. Hopkins and W. 8. Smith, bassos.
The renditons by the choir showed careful
preparation and the voices blended In per-
feet harmony in the several selections
Rev. DIR. Norman Seaver, the pastor, took
for the subject Of his discourse, "Unexpect.
ed Faith" taking his text from John 1888.
In an eloquent and logical manner he
pointed out the danger Of people misjudg-
Ing one another frequently, and showed