Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 22, Number 105, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 September 1901 — The Day of Grief. [ARTICLE]

The Day of Grief.

Among scenes of such universal sorrow, sympathy and respect, as not more than a very few times in the world’s history ever before followed a dead ruler to his grave, President McKinley was laid away yesterday, to his last sleep, alone. The mournful solemn occasion was fitly observed in Rensselaer. All business houses and offices were closed from 10 a. m. till noon. At 10 the Citizens band played the lamented McKinley’s favorite hymn, “Nearer My God to Thee,” and then proceeded to the Presbyterian church, followed by G. A. R. Post, No. 84, and other veterans of the great war. At the church the services were presided over by J udge 8. P. Thompson, who read President Roosevelt’s proclamation, and paid a brief tribute to McKinley. Rev. J. H. Bagwill made the opening prayer, and also spoke briefly. The band again played “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” and the hymn was sung.by the choir. Rev. A. G. Work read the 46th psalm, and made a brief address. The choir sang ‘‘Lead, Kindly Light.” Messrs D. H. Yeoman, Jesse E. Wilson and M. F. Chilcote made short addresses, after which the audience sang, “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.” Rev. B. F. Ferguson and Capt. J. A. Burnham followed with fitting tributes. Mrs. Ray Wood sang, “Our Dead Leader,” and the exercises ended by a benediction by Rev. Work. The attendance was very large.