The morning journal-courier., 1908-01-18

If the Chapman workers have been looking forward to next Tuesday as the Day of Rejoicing, they have made grave mistake. As far as hundreds of oldl people were concerned their Day of Rejoicing began yesterday with the services held especially for them In the Calvary Baptist church at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Those who were in a position to watch the Chapman cam paign when it was in our sister-city of Hartford, were convinced that the ser vice for the aged there was, without a doubt, not only the most unique of all but that at it the gentler heart strings were set vibrating as at nc other of the services. Yesterday prov cd the same thing true again here in New Haven.
 From first to last the service was not one of regrets for the passing of the years, as it too easily might have been. Instead it was all smiles and laughter. good wishes and hearty hand shakes on every side till even the old people themselves were quit convincd that to b old was privilege much to be coveted. and they were the object Of envy of the young in the congregation.
 As in other cities pr. Ostrom, who has shown himself especially fitted for conducting these services. took charge here. When Dr. Ostrom asked if it did not seem to them like the old-fash- toned kind of religion again, there was a shout of approval from every side. "Blest Be the Tie that Binds" and Shall We Gather at the River" con cluded the service. During the singing of them the old people were asked to turn to those next to them and greet them. for you don't often get a chance to get to church. some of you and it will be a great pleasure for you to do so' said Dr. Ostrom.
 The old people were got to the church in scores of carriages. Many came in automobiles. method they had never dreamed of going to church by in their youth. The old ladies were far in the majority--and who is there who could have seen them and not loved them ?
 There were the sweet. rosy facs. wrlnkled a bit to be sure, but circled about with timid little white circle. and topped with little bonnets of a time since past. There were sturdy. built old men. with their boards cut in the fashion of many decades ago, and leaning heavily on canes as they walk. ed along Everything was done foi their comfort. Dr. Chapman said ht had never been in city where the workers looked out SO e1scientiy for the needs of the old people as here Those who were hard of hearing, and their number was not a few, were seated In the front seats; the crippled had dog. en strong arms at their disposal to help them going in and getting out. Each was given carriage check to be sure that failing memory should not result in trouble getting home again.
 The church was crowded. The galler- ies were filled with those who came to see the great sight but they were not nearly large enough to hold all who wished to attend and the side aisles, upstairs and down were lined with people as well.
 Dr. Ostrom read with comment the twenty third psalm with special ref erence to its interest for old people. He was followed by Mir. Hills who sang "ln the Land Where They Never Grow Old. Then first was it that the dear, old mother, who is eighty eight look down soberly. and the tears of many began to fall quietly.
 Perhaps it is because 1 have a dear. olu mother who is eighty-eight years of age. began Dr Ostrom, in his sermon, that l am asked to speak at these services quite generally wher- ever we go. 1 am sure there is not a minister who does not covet me the 1 privilege. I am fairly ashamed to dc ! 1t in the presence of Dr. Chapman and all the other ministers. and wouldn't did I not know that you all i are going to pray for me
 I hope we'll have cheerful ser vice Remember you can't get out tC church every week We've had the services for young people; now I thinl we have the crowning congregation l gathered-the fathers and the moth CTS pr Ostrom refrained through out his sermon from speaking to hi.