Washington Herald
Print
Comment (0)
E-Mail
Report
Contributed by barbara-dave
Description: St. Alban’s Page 10
Newspaper published in: Washington, D. C., USA
Washington Herald June 24, 1907 St. Alban’s Page 10
WORSHIPERS MEET IN OPEN
Solemn Services Held on Mount St. Alban’s Yesterday.
Shading Trees of the Groves, “The First Temples,” Make Cool Place for Episcopal Exercises.
Out on cool Mount St. Alban’s, where the most beautiful cathedral of the western hemisphere will soon rear its commanding architecture, there gathered yesterday afternoon several thousand persons to worship their Divine Master in the manner described by the poet. [“Forest Hymn,” by William Cullen Bryant.]
The day was ideal for outdoor service. The shady trees kept the sun from beating down on the bared heads, and the breezes which swept across the dales brought the fragrant perfumes of wild flowers. It was an occasion for religious inspiration, and the beautiful Episcopal ritual, inspiring in itself, caused the hearts of those gathered to feel devoutly thankful for the opportunity to participate.
Rev. Charles C. PIERCE, chaplain, U. S. A., conducted the services upon an improvised altar, while camp stools served as pews for the gathered multitude. A large vested choir, led by a detachment of the Marine Band, furnished the music. Mingled with the songs were the shrill notes of the birds in the tree tops.
The sermon dwelt on the constant fight of man’s two natures, the worldly and the spiritual. It is an unceasing warfare, a strife never wholly won, for in each man there is good and evil. Some have fewer temptations than others, but those with the most temptations are the ones who grow into the strongest characters, even though at times they fall.
Dr. PIERCE gave several instances of deeply religious men being unable to resist temptations. The spirit was there, but the flesh at times overpowered them. He pointed out that man’s reward in the end would be greater because of errors committed and deeply repented than had there been no temptation and no fall.
After the close of the service, the gathering adjourned, but the greater portion followed with bowed heads the choir, as the members wended their way to the sanctuary during the recessional.
The services will be conducted regularly when the weather permits.