EASTER DECORATIONS.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1606, 14 April 1879, Page 3

EASTER DECORATIONS.

ST. MICHAEL’S. The Easter decorations of St. Michael’s were as usual very tasteful and appropriate. The chancel e pecially presented a very pretty appearance, the arch being spanned with a broad white band bearing the inscription, in illuminated letters, “Holy, holy, holy Lord G-od Almighty, Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory. This ribband had a border of evergreen leaves. Within the chancel, and at the back of the altar above the stained glass window, was seen a similar ribband, and on it also, in illuminated characters on a pure white ground, the text, “ The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof.” A third inscription in gilt letters on a dark ground decorated the front of the altar, the words being “ Christ is risen from the dead, the first fruits of them that slept.” Beneath this inscription was placed the triangular emblem of eternity in buds of chrysanthemums, and midaeneath the text, “ I am thp Bread

of Life.” The three small painted Windows at the back of the altar were fringed with ivy and chrysanthemums, and the ends of the stalls in the chancel, facing the body of the church, were adorned with knots of flowers. The reading desk was tastefully ornamented with a largo plume of Toi grass, with the stems fastened together with a bow of chrysanthemums and fuchsias. All the pillars running round the church were wreathed with ivy and other evergreen shrubs, and the windows were bordered with variegated chrysanthemums, dahlias, white roses, geraniums, and fuchsias. The font looked especially handsome, being arched overhead with a glossy green open Canopy, surmounted by a small cross. The stem and pedestal wore likewise garlanded with choice early Wiftter flowers, arranged with a tasteful eye to effect in the contrast of colors. The altar was similarly decorated with flowers, prominent upon it being two vases of choice flowers. The whole of the decorations were conceived in excellent taste, and the coup d'atil was elegant and appropriate without being meretricious.

There wore two services during the day, the incumbent, the Rev. Mr. Penny, officiating on edch o r casion. Each service was choral, and at the morning one the processional hymn, No. 131 (Hymns Ancient and Modern), was sung, and in the evening an anthem, by Dr. Stainer. In the morning the incumbent preached from the fifteenth chapter and fiftyseventh verse of St. Paul’s first Epistle to the Corinthians, aad at the evening service he chose as his telt St. Paul’s second Epistle to the Corinthians, chapter 6, verse 1. The church was very fully attended at each service, being unusually hearty and cordial. The usual Easter offerings were liberally made, morning and evening, by the congregation. ST. .JOHN’S.

The decorations at this place of worship were of an exceedingly chaslo and pretty character. On entering the church', the first thing which struck the observer was a cross in the eastern window, which was mido of imitation stone-work with fluted columns, decorated with bright colored flowers. By many persons it was mistaken for a cross of solid material. It was the work of an artist Who has frequently lent hi* assistance to the church. Th 3 pplpit .was, as usual, decorated with great taste with .scarlet shields, the spaces of which were filled by small white crosses. The lectern was also wreathed with evergreens and flowers. The font was filled with choice pot plants and presented a very striking appearance. The buttresses of the church were spanned with a ropework of greenery, tied up with toi toi. The general appearance of the church was exceedingly pretty and was spoken of with admiration by the visitors. The services were the same as notified in our issue of Saturday, and they were very faithfully rendered and with great spirit by the choir of upwards of fifty voices, the accompaniments being played by Mr Knight, the acting organist of the church, with great credit. Altogether the musical services were a credit to Christchurch, there being no less than eighteen men in the choir. The congregations werfi crowded both times, the churdh on each,occasion being crowded to overflowing, every inch of space being Utilised by the officers of the church. At least 700 persons must have been present in the evening. The incumbent preached both morning and evening on subjects appropriate to the day. In the evening the rev. gentleman was assisted by the Rev. J. Maunsell of the North, who is now in Canterbury on business connected with the Maoris. bt, luke’s.

The Easter decorations at this church were very tasteful. Over the communian table were the words “ The Lord has risen,” whilst the arches were draped with banners,- &c. ( bearing appropriate emblems and mottoes. On each side of the chancel were the words, “ Oh grave whore is thy sting, oh death where is _hy victory.” The services were fully choral, and the Rev. E. Lingard preached a sermon on the events of the day they were celebrating.