Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-05-30
I tribute PA|O
TO SOLDIER DEAD
MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES AT
TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
MOST BEAUTIFUL.
SOLDIERS ATTEND
Veterans and Company g Boys March
With Measured Tread to Hear
Splendid Tribute to Departed
by Few. W. G. Aengen.

| by Rev. w. G. Hengen.
Beautiful and inspiring were the
memorial services, the earthly tribute
to the departed veterans Of the war
Of the rebellion, paid at the morning
service at the Trinity Episcopal
church yesterday. Simple but impress
sive, filling every heart with a feeling
of patriotism and freedom. the me-
mortal brought to the minds OF all the
great suffering and hardships endured
/ without complaint to save for CEN
turtles to come the peace of this great
country M
The inspiring tribute OF the rector,
Rev. w. c. Hengen, brought back men,
cries of the struggles of years gone
by. The effect on the members Of the
congregation brought out the other
half Of the two-fold purpose of me-
mortal day, the instilling of honor.
pride, patriotism and reverence.
The veterans assembled at the court
house and at the command of Fall
| In" quietly took their places In the
ranks, Company G in uniforms OF blue
heading the procession, caused many
a chest to heave with emotion and
pride, with remembrance Of the days
OF 81, and when tha forward.
march," rang out, 1t was with firmer
tread than usual that the veterans be-
gan their march to the church.
The militia filed into the church and
quietly took their places. The veterans
were met at the door by the choir.
With the strains Of Onward Christian
Soldiers" floating back to them, the
soldiers followed the choir down the
aisle and took their places. Preceding
the choir the cross was borne to the
altar. the banner Of triumphant entry.
Just behind the old soldiers came the
flag bearer, followed by the rector,
Rev. w. C. Hengen. With appropriate
music the service opened. The altar
and pulpit were bedecked with flowers,
the emblems of. memorial day.
The Rev. Mr.. Hengen then delivered
the following beautiful, inspiring ad-
dress:
"And I heard a voice from heaven
saying unto me: Write. blessed are
the dead which die In the Lord from
henceforth: Yea, saith the spirit, that
they may rest from their labors and
their works do follow them"
| The chief purpose of our congrega-
ting here today Is to commemorate and
to give honor to those veterans who
have gone before us on that myster-
ious journey to the homeland beyond
the skies.
It Is well that we have q special day
which calls us apart awhile to con-
temptations that reach above and be-
yond the every day struggle and tur-
MOL in an age of strenuous action and
high tension, Of physical and mental
powers. The demand on energies OF
mind and body is such as to leave lit
tie time or inclination for quiet
thoughts on the more serious things
OF life.
Good to All.
A memorial service must contain
q special good to all; to those who
having finished their course do now,
rest from their labors; to the surviv-
ing veterans; to rising and future gen.
asmuch as 1t perpetuates remem-
more than mere eulogies of noble lives
Of patriotic achievement; it has to do
with their eternal welfare. Many and
fervent are the prayers that rise from
the hearts Of great throng Of the
righteous to the listening ear Of God,
that the souls of the faithful departed
may be purified and drawn closer 10
him day by day and that the bless
ings OF rest and peace and spiritual
growth in paradise may be theirs; that
they may have deeper and truer
] knowledge Of God and joyful resur-
rection Of their bodies from the grave
and mericful judgment in the great
day of God. One day will they not
thank us for our love and good will
to them?
To you and all surviving veterans,
to you who have taught us sons and.
daughters to catch up some of the
spirit Of patriotism that kindled your
courage and valor to answer your
country's call to arms, there must be
contrasting emotions yelling In your
hearts, emotions Of Joy and sorrow.
Joy that 1t was your privilege, in
the development Of Gods eternal plans
for our great nation to have been
his instruments of its salvation; to
have contributed so actually to its
welfare, it's upbuilding, it's prosperity.
Joy to know that when your summons
| comes your memory will live to the
good and enrichment Of others. There
must throb in the heart OF every sol
der, who has served his country
faithfully q noble pride, and well
earned satisfaction that his courage
prompted the sacrifice. and obedience
that make him the sharer in the
mighty victory that has handed on to
roetaritv the most glorious union of
states the world has even seen. On
the other hand your hearts are moved
with sorrow that as the years roll on.
the sound of taps echoes and re-echoes
throughout the land as the great army
of the republic passes into life and
that 80 often you are called on to
mourn a departing comrade and be-
hold the passing of great host, the
companions OF your honor. Sorrow as
the earthly ties are broken to leave
a loneliness and void In the heart.
And yet we must remember "the
separation God has made for a little