The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-14
DIR. MacSPORRAN TALKS ABOUT MOTHERS DAY"

in 1908. She had lost her mother through death. and the sorrow was still fresh when. on a bright day in late spring she was inspired to dedi cate that day to tho memory of her mother. The white flower she wore. as the most fit expression of the love that passes between mother ana child. And so thoroughly was she thrilled by the beauty and symbol Ism of the little ceremony she had planned for herself that she told 1t to her friends, and told them as well that sine would observe the same day each year.
 This in brief is the history--tho touching history of the day that to- day Is celebrated--the second Sunday in May--in many countries of the world besides America.
 My Mothers Beautiful Hands Such beautiful. beautiful hands
 Not wondrous white, nor small, And you, perhaps, would never think
 That they were fair at all.
 I look on hands whose form and hue
 sculptor's dream might be; Yet are these aged. wrinkied hands
 Most beautiful to mel
 Such beautiful, beautiful hands
 Though heart were worn and sad. These patient hands kept toilins on
 That the children might be glad. And could weep as looking back
 To childhood's distant day,
 I think how these hands rested not When mineswere at their play. Where living streams through endless
 years
 Flow over shining sands,
 And where the old are young again
 I'll clasp my mothers hands
 -F M H. Gates
 In thinking of some one whose beautiful sentiments 1 would like to hear on this most beautiful of days, thought of Dr. John A. MacSporran. the beloved pastor of the Old First Presbyterian church, where the pioneer mothers of this city have worshipped, and where dear. devoted, loving descendants of some of the most beautiful characters Birming- ham has over known-now worship.
 Ills kindly, sympathetic views have made Dr. MacSporran one of the most respected and widely loved ministers in this great city. and always re- spending to everything which Is of religious value, he has showed his sincere interest in the beautiful cele- bration today by saying many help full, encouraging things in regard to the significance and tho true mean ing of Mothers Day"
 His mind. like garden of beautiful flowers, each ons radlatlng it's rare fragrance to the passerby, his spirit ual life an example of beauty and gentle influence to every one he oorAes In contact with, Dr. MacSpor- ran since his residence in this com munity has gathered about him q circle of true and. sincere friends to whom his words today will come as a ing occasion.
 Human Aspects of Divine Events
 Said Dr. MaeSporran;
 "A new calendar Of the Christian year is in the process of being worked out We still observe, and will, of course, as long as our faith endnres, the feasts. festivals and holy days which commemorate the historical facts of our religion. But even these We now celebrate in 8 new way. Our emphasis is upon the human aspects of these divine events. In place of the saints days of the medieval church, we Portestants are now com seerating other days for special ob- servance. We have Memorial Day. Children's Day, and many others which have not yet been officially canonized. Indeed, 1t has come to such a pass that there Is scarcely a