ABSTRACT
The opening hymn was followed by a pastoral prayer. John Frederic Oberlin's prayers were generally freely composed, rather than read from the officially approved rubrics. The teaching of geography and geology, of plant and animal ecology, of physics and astronomy, to people of all ages, from children of three to adults at the outer limits of old age, was in Oberlin's view as much an act of religious ministry as preaching, praying, and administering the sacraments. In Oberlin's system of values, to lose the desire to learn was to lose one's right to participate in God's plan of salvation. The care that Oberlin took in planning the musical portion of festival occasions is suggested by notations made by him in connection with a special service of unknown date. It is a great festival day; distinguished guests are expected from far and near.
