Middletown transcript. [volume] (Middletown, Del.) 1868-current, 1918-06-22
OLD ST. ANNE'S DAY
2l3th Anniversary Big Crowds
Fine Sermon and Address
MAKE A NOTABLE OCCASION

Last Sundays services at ''Old St
Anne's". (as that venerable Sanctuary
is affectionately styled on the occasion
of its 2l3th anniversary, mace every
way double field day Bishop Kins.
man in his morning sermon surpassed
himself, and the afternoon address OF
Ex-Governor Stokes, of New Jersey,
was a brilliant effort-indeed, both
these admirable addresses were as full
of thought "as an egg IS of meat" as
Mercutio would say, or. to quote Henry
James whom the Scribe does not always
admire, both addresses to an unusual
degree disclosed that finest quality of
public speeches." "uttering thought
that had great works in its blood. -
So. too. the mnsical treat was the best
ever given, it is said.
The day was another of those June
masterpieces that somehow or other
seem to be on everlasting tap when
folks assemble from far and near to
pay their respects to this ancient shrine.
Again, one must quote the great
Lowell:
And what is so rare as day in June
Then if ever come perfect days;
Then Heaven tries earth if it be in tune,
And oyer it softly her warm ear lays"
A charming rural touch was seen,
head and felt on every hand, in grass
or flower; in the waving field of rinen-
ing grain; in the faint chirp or song
snatch of occasional bird; IN the
silent majesty of the big trees, dressed
o 1t in freshest green, and in skies of
serenest blue Lending over ala camea
sceasi0n whose jewel beauties will long
chine in Memqry's casket
As usual, big audiences filed the
Church, especially in the afternoon
when even standing room was at a
premium below, above and in the aisles,
with yet some hearers sub Jove Many
friends and visitors were from a dis
tance; from Smyrna and Dover, Viii
mlngton an ! Philadelphia and from all
the countryside for miles around all
come to enjoy the pleasing program of
service and sermon, speech and song.
Aside from this religious aspect. these
fetes champetres, If one may SO call
them, are in other ways both pleasur-
able and Useful, where sundered families
and friends may meet and renew old
friendships in a mutual recalling of
other days ana sespes aftea bringing
back some Of the ahcient memories that
link their families to the past, 1t is y
time to hear and tell tales of some of
the long-ago worthless whose honored
) dust perahapce has long since found a
lovely transmigrstion into some sweet
flower form, or gone to help nourish
that noble arboreal giant whose robust
years have kept perennial youth
through the centuries in !9ving watch
end v srd oyer Gods aged Sanctuary
and His children alumberlng aronna Il.
For who, for his mortal part. could
Wish . happier fate than this yearly re-
pewal in the verdant leaf of this old
veteran Of the woods whose tall form
has seen many generations Of worshipers
come and 60, while himself, still erect
esd strene. as of yore is pointing to
fbe portal Of Gods House What su4r-
xixal of the belieyer's brief dust GOULD
be finer than this Roetlcal metempsy-
Ghosts into the blood Of this Oldest
Episcopalian As Byrant beautifully
sings:
SHALL send bis roats abroad and rience
thy mould"
Without, "Old St. Anne's never
seemed handsomer, its walls all wrapped
In the loving .ivy's sheen: within, its
walls and woodwork furnished up in q
new dress Of kalsomine and paint, no
less attractive.
Upon the north wall, patriotically
hung a very large flag, and . smaller
one pendant from the gallery. These.