The Savannah morning news., 1901-09-18
GAINESyILLE'S SERVICES.
Florida's Mid-State Metropolis Hon
Ors Dead President.

Gainesville, Fla. Sept 17.-If there
was any doubt in the minds of any one
that the people of Gainesville were
loyal to the memory of President Nc
Kinley, that doubt was most assuredly
dispelled Sunday night by the meet
ing that was held at Kavanaugh Meth
odist Church. wherein all denomina-
tons took an active part.
1t was a regular union memorial
service, the Baptist, Presbyterian,
Episcopal and Methodist Churches be-
ing represented by able and eloquent
speakers, who were filled to overflow
ing with sadness and sorrow at the
great calamity that had not only be-
fallen the family of our beloved chief
tain, but the entire nation as we'll.
The church had been draped in
mourning for the occasion. In front OF
the altar hung long streamer OF
crepe, while the railing around the
choir was also trimmed in crepe.
Across the front of the pipes of the
organ the grand old flag was stretched.
|. In the center and on each
side of the pulpit large
pots of evergreens were placed, and
while everything betokened the sor-
row of Gainesville's people, at the
same time it was a most beautiful
scene, and one that will be stamped up
on the tablets of memory as long as
life lasts.
Under the careful training of Mrs
I. DENLY, the choir rendered an ex-
col nd TOT ~
sacred songs. Especially was the an
them appropriate, as it contained
words spoken by the beloved President
during his last hours. The anthem
was Nearer, My God, to Thee"
Rev. w. T. Hundley, pastor of the
First Baptist Church, opened the serv-
ices by prayer. His appeal was a
mastery one, and showed how deeply
affected the preacher was. Mr.. Humid
ley then began his remarks concerning
the life and acts of Mr.. Mckinley. He
prefaced his remarks by abiding to
the church decorations. stating that
the black denoted the deep grief expe-
rienced by the people of Gainesville at
tn death of the grand rfan-William
McKinley-whilet the evergreens' denot-
ed the lasting hopes and faith in Jesus
Christ, and his power to give comfort to
the bereaved ones. Mr.. Hundley paid
a glowing tribute to the life, both pub
lie and private, of President Mckinley,
and stated that his death was one of
the grandest triumphs since the cruel
fixion of Christ. He also spoke in
touching words of the faithful wife of
the President, and asked Gods bless
ing upon her.
In the absence of Rev. E. W. Way,
who is in South Carolina, Col. Christie
pher Matheson represented the Presby-
terrain Church, and his flow of elo-
quence was something grand. His pic
lures of the life of Mr.. Mckinley were
beautiful indeed, and his eloquence
caused many eyes to become dim with
tears as he alluded to the scenes of the
death chamber, and repeated the last
words, "Good-by, good-by all; it is
Gods will and His will be done"
Mr.. Matheson was followed by Cant.
w. C. Johnson, who represented the
Episcopal Church in the absence of the
pastor, who is in Chicago. Capt. john
son took up the theme of anarchy, and
his words were denun-
citation of the principle from
beginning to end. In conclusion
he paid a glowing tribute to the muir
dered President, and strongly de-
nounced the assassin.
Rev. W. ]. Carpenter, pastor of the
hdNdndugn METHODIST Church, was the
last speaker. He, too, took up the
theme of anarchy and pointed out
where there were many ways of being
an anarchist besides numbering presi-
dents. He called attention to the aw-
full warning presented by the murder
ing of President Mckinley, and begged
his hearers to take heed, and begin at
once to assist in putting an end to
anarchy. He then alluded with deem
feeling to the life from boyhood of Mr..
Mckinley, and concluded this part of
his discourse by beautiful reference to
the grief-stricken wife. Mr.. Carpenter
then asked all to lend their prayers for
the new President, paying a tribute
to the worth of Mr.. Roosevelt. and
stating that he, too, was a grand man.
The services were then concluded bv
singing America" in which the entire
congregation Joined.
The church was crowded, one of the
largest congregations being present
that has assembled there for many
years. No city or town in the Union
feels more keenly the loss of the nation
than does Gainesville, and her citizens
mourn with the rest of the nation In
the loss. not only OF a good president
but n grand Christian man. one whose
life has been a blessing to the world
and whose acts are worthy OF emu
lation,
The United States land office and
postofiice have been appropriately
draped In mourning on account OF the
death OF President Mckinley.