Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1901-09-26
H0NORED IN BELDINC.
Thursday Day of Mourning For
Our Dead President-Ap-
propriate Services.


That the people of Belding are al
loyal, patriotic, and truly mourne'
the death of our beloved president
none could doubt after seeing tn,
spirit shown last Thursday, the day
set apart by proclamation for ofiicia
recognition. With one impulse the
people united i'm this their last toker
of honor and respect for him who hac
so lately occupied the position OF
chief executive. 1t took no urging to
get them to do it, it was done willing
ly and promptly. We doubt if there
ever was a more total suspension OF
business of every nature in this city
and it was for the entire day toe
although in most cities and towns ii
was only for a half day.
The services at the opera house
were announced for 1920 and long be-
fore that hour arrived every seat was
occupied and still they came. The
enlarged house, with its increased
seating capacity was still unable to
hold all who desired to attend.
Mayor Leonard presided with grace
and dignity. The meeting was open
ed by singing the doXology, a large
chorus formed from the several
church choirs and others, taking the
lead, Mrs. T. f. Ireland presiding at
the piano. Rev. A. O. Carman pro
nounced the invocation and Rev. II.
A. Mcconnell read scripture lesson,
after which all joined in singing
Nearer My God to Thee" made
dearer TO us all as stated by the chair
man because it was chanted by Nc
Kinley in his dying hours.
Rev. G. Quick gave the opening ad-
dress and it was a grand one. He
briefly sketched Mr.. McKinley's life
and acts both public and private and
eulogized him both as a man and as
president. While none are perfect
save one, the man had many beauti-
full traits of character well worthy of
emulation by any man, and the grand
closing hours were but beautiful
sunset in harmony with his entire
life.
The presidents favorite hymn
Lead Kindly Light" was sang, after
which Rev. j. j. Staley spoke upon
the lessons of hour. He was very
much overcome with the emotions
awakened by the occasion but gave
an address that was accorded much
praise. The lessons of the hour are
the uncertainty of life, the import
ance of right living, the laxness with
which the American people have in
clined to deal with or permit persons
and newspapers who scattered seeds
of discord and discomfort regarding
our laws and officials for enforcing
the same. We are all to blame to a
greater or less extent and we shonld
endeavor to correct this.
1t was by no means an ordinary
gathering. Large as the crowd was
there was no disturbance or confusion.
Everyone paid most respectful and
earnest interest TO the entire service,
and listened with strained attention
so as to lose not a word, and tears
filled many an eye as some touching
remark was made. The benediction
was pronounced by Rev. A. O. Car
man after America had been sung.
The members of the G. A. r. Post
and w. II. c. attended the services in
a body.
In the afternoon at 2:30 special
service was held at the same place for
the benefit of the children of the pub
lie schools, they being asked not to 60
in the morning so as to give all the
space for the older ones.