The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1901-09-27
IN MEMORIAM.
Appropriate Union Services at the
First Methodist Church.


The Limitation of language, on an
occasion like this. is sensibly felt. The
whole shoal of human thought and hu-
man speech has been explored TO ex-
press the horror and detestation of the
civilized world that christian and
mighty ruler of so million free men
had been murdered-not on account of
anything that he had done, but solely
and principally because he was chief
magistrate. The crime was against
the nation, and as nation we have
been sorrowing for week past. Polit-
ical strife has been stilled, and under
one common sorrow and with one
accord all Americans have paid hon.
age to one whom the nation honored
and the world respected aud admired
1t was mete and right, therefore, that
Columbians should lay a flower upon
their dead President grave. And this
they did in the union memorial service
held Sunday night at the First Metho-
dist church. This service was attended
by as many as the church could accom-
modate, and an impressive programme
was rendered.
The service was opened with an
organ voluntary by Mrs. Kelly, after
which Lead, Kindly Light, one of
the President s favorite hymns, was
touchingly rendered by the choir.
Rev. a. P. McFerrin stated the pur-
poses of the meeting, and read the first
chapter of 2nd Samuel and the 14th
chapter Of John, The invocation was
by Rev. W. A. Provine, and his
eulogy on the dead President was very
affecting.
DIR. A. S. Petite made short but
interesting address, touching upon the
life and character of the lamented
President. He said that Mr.. McKin-
ley had not attained greatness by
birth, neither had he had greatness
thrust upon him, if such thing
were possible; but he had achieved
greatness by toiling for it. And all
true greatness must be achieved in
that way. Goodness, he said, was
essential in all true greatness, and be-
cause of his goodness Mr. Mckinley
was truly great man.
Mr.. George r. Hughes followed Dr.
Petite paying an eloquent tribute tc
the memory of the President. Mr..
Mckinley, he said, had been true tc
his solemn oath of Office, and had met
the whole measure of manhood al
every point. Not one of the twenty
presidents of the United States had
proved recreant to their trust or tar
nished their Office, and history will
not write Mckinley second 10 any.
The speaker said that he would not,
in his talk, step across the threshold
of the Mckinley home. but would
leave the stricken widow to treasure
| in solitude the sweet ministrations Of
him who had been her comfort anC
stay in hours of joy, sorrow or Attic
ton.
Rev. Walter Capers, who was the
last speaker, made brief but appro-
pirate address. He said that he would
speak of only two of the characters
tics of the President-his humility ant
his patriotism; that humility which
is free from pride and arrogance, ant
admire so much.
Each speaker referred to the deceased
as a tender husband, a true citizen
brave soldier, wise statesman and
ruler, and christian gentleman; ant
these expressions of homage were pait
to the Christian and the man, rathe
than to the Office he occupied.
The programme was intersperset
with several musical numbers Zone
ISweetly Solemn Thought" and "Abid
with Me, were sung by the choir
and Miss Annie Fleming, in her Away
sweet and touching voice sang "Qu
TOLLS, The entire audience joine'
in the rendition of the last song
Nearer, My God, to Thee.
Rev. W. A. Provine dismissed tn
congregation with a benediction.