The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-11-26
LARGE ATTENDANCE AT CIVIC SERVICE AT LYRIC THEATRE Over 1000 Crowd Into The atre and Sit for an
 Hour
CHAMBER OFFICIALS
 ARE MUCH CERTIFIED
Audience Very Representative-Rev. Barnwell Praises Spirit Which Prompted Exercises-Sydney J.
 Bowie Delivers Brief Address


 indorsement of the first civic Thanksgiv- ing service held in the city by the splen- diG audience that assembled in the Lyric theatre yesterday at noon. Fully 1000 persons were present and gave reverent and close attention to the speakers and other numbers on the programme. The affair was under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce, and much gratifi- cation was expressed at the splendid success of the innovation.
 Attending in a body were the members employees of Loveman, Joseph & Loeb. J, Blach & Sons and other firms. The audi ence was very representative and em- braced all creeds and classes of the city.
 Seated on the stage were President Crawford Johnson of the Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Morris Newf1eld, those taking part i'll the programme. members of the Arion club and many ministers and prominent businessmen of the city. The programme started promptly at F and ended according to schedule at l clock.
 DR. EAVES OFFERS PRAYER
 Following the singing of Nearer, My God to Thee," by the audience, pr. George Eaves offered prayer. In his opening remarks. President Johnson re- ferred to the first Thanksgiving Day in- augurated by the Pilgrim rathers some 300 years ago, and stated that it's significance was just as great today as at that time. He said the year 1915 had been a wonder ful and fearful year in that the people were depressed-some by the war, some by poverty and others by business dis tress-but that in the past few months a better time had come, the skies have N been frightened by the light from the blast furnaces, the laborer has found em- ployment and evidence of returned pros- perity was seen in the crowds on the streets
 He stated that the Chamber of Con- merce had been reorganized on a broad and comprehensive plan, and that not only would it's efforts be directed en- tirely to financial and material matters, but that they would be along the lines that would make for better homes and a better community. In this endeavor he stated the board of directors had invited all the citizens of Birmingham to join in service of song and prayer to show their appreciation of the blessings that have come to them.
 The reading of President Wilson S Thanksgiving proclamation by Dr. J. M.
 
 son was read by the Rev. William Me- Dougal. The Lost Chord'' was rendered by the Arion club, directed by Prof. Rienzi Thomas.
 REV. FAREWELL SPEAKS
 The Rev. M. $. BarnwelI >stated that there was touch of sadness in the Thanksgiving service this year by reason of the dreadful conditions prevailing in Europe on account of the war. He stated that the civic service was a splendid thing, especially as it was not inaugu- rated by the clergy, but by the laity He said it was a good sign when busy men in the midst and press of business thought of such a movement. He made strong plea for community service, stat ing that it was good thing to feed the hungry and care for the sick, but that it was a much better thing to work to the end that there would be no hunger and no sickness. In conclusion he stated that while gathered together to give thanks to God for the abundance of his blessing it should be with pledged to ren- der service in return for His bounty.
 Frederick Gunster sang Leave Me to Languish.' His splendid voice lent itself readily to the depth and feeling of the beautiful song.
 with a plea for the relief of the poor. who, he declared, were with us always, and that the best we can do is to use our efforts to lessen poverty. Referring to the greatness of the Birmingham district and it's wonderful resources, he expressed a doubt as to whether the people of this district had taken full advantage of them and that they have not done as well with them as they should, but that in the spirit of service they should strive for greater heights. He referred to Presi- dent Wilson's peace policy and stated that while there were those who criti- cised it. history would prove it correct. In fact, he stated. it had already done so in the Mexican situation. Speaking of the reorganized Chamber of Commerce, he stated that it would have for it's pur- pose the welding together of the people of the community and would have for it's motto mot for self, but for all
 With the singing of America and the benediction pronounced by pr. John D.. Simpson the first civic service was brought to an end.