The San Francisco call., 1904-04-04
HOC4NNAS
OF PRAISE
TO CHRIST
Great Anniversary
Is Worthily
HonOred.
Houses of UorShip
Ad0rned Uith
FL0WerS.

The celebration OF Easter in the
churches OF San Francisco has never
been more general, more beautiful or
more impressive than it was yesterday
Without exception. whether Protestant
OF Catholic, the congregations were re-
minded in music and sermon, as well
sS by elaborate floral decoration
Of the meaning Of the day, the hallowed
memories evoked by il during nineteen
Christian centuries, and the promise Of
Immortality il holds out in bidding a
busy, careless world to better things
With few exceptions the sacred edi-
noes were especially prepared for the
great anniversary with masses of
green and color. Easter lilies every
where were seen among the decora-
tons Of chancel and choir and altar
rail, and in many instances these white
einblems of the Christian renascence
formed the sole but adequate orna-
ment added in memory Of the resurrec-
ton.
The music selected for the day was
chosen from the best Of the magnificent
compositions in which the masters OF
harmony in Europe and America have
WED with one another in honoring the
central event OF Christian history. In
strumental and vocal solos were rem
oered by famous artists in reverent and
touching manner. Splendid chOirs OF
rrained NOcalists. who had given weeks
20 preparation, sang the anthems dear
TO the fathers of the church in many
ages and many lands. Music ever plays
e leading part in the Easter service,
and the music heard in the local
churches yesterday was worthy Of the
occasion.
THRONGS OF WORSHIPERS.
The audiences were large-unusually
large. even for Easter. The bright
sunshine. after weeks Of rain and
somber weather, seemed to invite and
even command that people should leave
their homes and join in the commemor-
alton. So they came from the man.
siOns of the rich and the cottages of
the poor from the homes of Americans
and from those of the Latin and leu
tonic peoples. who form SO strong an
element in San Franciscos population.
Every place Of worship was crowded
Among the throngs were perhaps some
Who seldom enter a church, attracted
thither for the nonce by the command
ing impressiveness Of the anniversary
and the splendor Of the services.
on the streets. too, the day was evil
IDENTIFY no ordinary Sunday. Not for
months have the Sabbath crowds been
50 large whether viewed upon the
CitVs thorOughfares. in its public
squares or At the Cliff and in Golden
Gate Park. Men. women and children
especially children-enjOyed the fresh,
sunny air and the brisk breezes that
were free from the suggestion of rain
iust past or Just to come. The breath
of spring was in the atmosphere, and
after the hours for churcu had passed
ID kept thousands upon the streets or
took them for the rest Of the day TO
the places Of outdoor recreation.
OF course il was an Easter crowd
in the matter of dress. The accept
ed &c by which men and women
welcome the arrival of this anniver-
sary as the signal for donning spring
attire obtains here as il does through
out al lands that call their civiliza-
tion European. So the throngs of
yesterday were bright in the lighter
hues Of spring and summer, seen in
the clothes not only of the women
and children. but of the men as well.
For some the day meant, doubtless, a
dress parade and for them ii amply
fulfilled their expectations.
But besides the warmer tints in
millinery and dress that prophesy the
coming of summer. much Of the color
on the streets was the color Of flowers.
Blossoms were carried by a majority
Or the gentler sex on the sidewalks
and in the street cars. Seldom have
so many been seen in the hands Of
pedestrians. and indeed il was an ex-
ception almost rare enough to attract
attention when a woman or little miss
failed 10 have a bunch of lilies or vio-
lets or more garish flowers in her
hands. Thus they celebrated the i'm
mortal anniversary and at the same
tirne the glories Of California, the
land or perpetual bloom