The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1919-07-12

ain lllIS yCdl WdS perhaps Tic IlOSl CIl-
Joyable ever held in Zion. We have at
tended many of these great annual affairs
held each year on Independence Day i
plcnics for which Zion is noted = but we
believe we never experienced one where
the people seemed to enjoy themselves so
thoroughly. Everybody was happy and in
a good humor. There was not the slightest
friction.
The day was ideal for outdoor recrea-
ton. The air was warm and lovely under
the trees in the park, with refreshing
breeze throughout the day. Everybody was
an midsummer attire, most of the men dis
carding their coats, and the people gave
themselves up to a genuine good time. In
all parts of the grounds hammocks brought
from home by families were suspended be-
tween trees.
How many have stopped to think to
what remarkable extent Zion has been
blessed and favored by clear weather for
occasions of this kind. On every picnic or
parade day for years the weather has been
beautiful. Most people have thought but
little about it, and taken it as a matter
of course. But they may not stop to con-
slider that hundreds of people have been
praying for nice weather on all these oc-
caSionS. In some instances, the answers
to prayer have been very marked
Zion is one big family. All day long,
at a Fourth of July Picnic, people keep
meeting and shaking hands with friends.
Nowhere can you find more sociable peo-
pie. From early in the morning until late
at night all care is thrown aside and they
yield themselves up to time of pure, I'm
alloyed enjoyment. Unfortunate indeed
were those, who for one reason or another,
were not privileged to attend. They can
hardly know what a fine time they missed.
1t would be hard to conceive of prettier
picture than that presented at the noon
hour. All through the park, far out among
the trees, hundreds of families often
three or four together = had spread snow
white cloths upon the grass, and were
partaking of their lunches in happy con-
course
Many people from a distance were
present. Visitors who love pure atmos-
phere and the wholesome association of
sober, clean minded people, attend these
events in considerable numbers, and are al
ways heartily welcome at Zion gathering
of any kind Nothing affords Zion people
greater pleasure than to entertain people
from elsewhere and extend to them every
courtesy and hospitality.
A Fourth of July Picnic in Zion is a
very different affair from one anywhere
else. Among all the hundreds Of people
present, one never sees man with cigar,
cigaret or pipe in his mouth Women are
not annoyed by having the fumes of tobacco
smoke puffed in their faces, and children
may romp and play in pure, undehled at
mosphere.
There is no intoxication seen. There is
an entire absence of dancing and the inn
moral influences which are general else
where. One may spend the entire day at
Zion picnic without hearing profane or
obscene word.
A minister present remarked: Il am
ffty-three years DID, and this is the first
picnic | ever attended where | did not
smell liquor on the breath of the men, in
hale tobacco smoke or hear profanity and
other vile talk 1t is the first Fourth of
July picnic | ever attended since young
man where prayer was offered and Gods
blessing asked upon the proceedings"
At Zion Fourth of July picnic there
is an entire absence of fireworks or ex-
plosives of any kind. John Alexander
Dowie, lions founder, was the pioneer in
advocating Sane Fourth" against the
dangerous custom, then universal through
out the country, of celebrating Indepen-
dence Day with explosives
On the morning of the Fourth, Zion City
presented gala appearance. The stars and
stripes foated from all public buildings, and
the balcony and main entrance of Zion
Home were decorated with bunting. Prac-
tically all automobiles were bedecked with
flags and festooningS of national colors.
Promptly at 1870 a. M, the parade
formed on Shiloh boulevard, east of the
Park, and marched eastward with the bands
playing and colors flying, presenting
beautiful sight Rounding southwark into
Elijah avenue the line of march was south
to 10Th street west to Enoch avenue, and
north to Shiloh Park.
The procession was headed by Chief of
Police Becker, on horseback followed by
officers Bruno and Stried, also mounted
Next came the color bearers, followed IN
turn by the Zion Band of fifty pieces, Mayor
Clendinen, City Attorney Forby, and the
other municipal officers. Zion Junior Band,
Zion Guard, Zion Junior Drum Corps, and
line of automobiles and other conveyances.
The bands played alternately along the
entire line of march. Upon arrival at the
park, the parade was reviewed by the Gen
eral Overseer, with Mrs. Voliva at his side
Immediately afterward, the Zion Junior
Band assembled in the Band Stand and rem
dered an open air concert. This was fol-
lowed my martial music furnished by the
Junior Drum Corps, an organization of
little fellows from ten to fourteen years OF