The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-01-07

President and Mrs. Hoover,
Mrs. Franklin d. Roosevelt
and her son, James, were
among those who paid him
silent tribute. But there was
no pomp, no display. The
very a t mOsp h ere Of the
church was severe.
In a pew close to the front of the
church sat Michael Fitzgerald, for
mer mayor, who was the city'S
chief executive when Mr.. Coolidge
was notified formally that he had
been elected Vice-President. Fitz-
gerald, now a barber, made an ad-
dress of welcome on that occasion.
That address and the present
ceremonies were the only formal
functions ever conducted in North
ampton for Mr.. Coolidge since he
left city politics for larger fields.
Impressive Floral Tribute
The chancel and choir loft were
banked with masses of flowers, ILL
les predominating. The most
striking floral tribute was an i'm
mense wreath of ferns interlaced
with orchids sent by the diplomatic
corps at Washington.
Outside the red brick edifice,
jamming the sidewalks and crowd
ing the hillside nearby, were fully
5000 citizens. Silently they watched
the approach of the nations
notables.
Governor Joseph B. Ely of
Massachusetts, was an early arrival
at the church with his staff.
AS the church filled, organist
Thomas c. Aud played Chopin's
funeral march.
The soft strains were punctuated
by the walls of a very young child,
in the balcony.
Hoovers Enter Church
The President and Mrs. Hoover
entered the church at exactly 1890,
as the organ ended the funeral
march and began Mrs. Coolidge's
favorite musical selection, from
Dvorak's New World Symphony"
The Presidents face was very
grave as he came slowly down the
aisle, preceded by military aid.
The Rev. Albert j. Penner, youth
full and deep-voiced, who has been
pastor here for only four months,
but enjoyed the intimate acquaint-
ance of both Mr.. and Mrs. Coo
lidge, delivered the invocation, q
prayer for light, for compassion, for
solace.
He stood above the casket, on
either side of which two standards
bore the flags Of the nation and the
church.
Play FavOrite Hymn
AS the minister finished, a quar-
tet softly began the hymn, Lead,
Kindly Light a fayorite Of Mr..
Coolidge. The plain, vanished
walls of the rectangular auditorium,
in the balcony of which were crowd
ed townspeople who had known the
former President as a neighbor,
echoed back the final word.
The scripture reading, selections
from the Psalms, from Romans,
Corinthians and John, followed.
The selections were Psalm 46, Psalm
121, Romans 8, Second Corinthian
5, John IA.
Peace leave with you; my peace
I give unto you; not as the world
giveth, give I unto you. Let not
your heart be troubled, neither let
it be fearful" Mr.. Penner paused
and bowed his head.
He began to pray.
The quartet began the refrain,
20 Love That Wilt Not Let Me Co
This song was the selection of Mrs.
Grace Coolidge.
Widow Smiles BraveIy
The minister pronounced bene-
diction-"Unto Gods gracious mercy
and protection we commit you. The
Lord bless you and keep you. The
Lord make His face to shine upon
you and pe gracious unto you. The
Lord lit up His countenance upon
you, and give you peace, both now
and forever more. Amen"
Mrs. Coolidge had entered the
church on the arm Of her daughter
in-law, Mrs. John Coolidge. AS she
passed the casket, and the congre-
CATION rose 20 honor her, she forced
brave little smile.
But she never raised her eyes, and
sat with bowed head through the
opening prayer and the first bars
of Lead, Kindly Light"
AS the services ended, Mrs. Cool
! idge, with her son John, and his
wife, rose and slowly walked to the
rear door through which she had
entered half an hour previously
/ There was another brief interlude,
while the organist played Nearer
My God to Thee" and then Presi-
dent and Mrs. Hoover, with their
party, walked to the front entrance.
AS the President emerged from
/ the church q mild natter of an