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Centennial
Souvenir.
GEN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01772 5703
GENEALOGY 975.102 W68CE
Wilmington Delaware
NOav. 1, 1890.
Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church, Oct. 16, 1889.
1789.
OCTOBER 16. 1889.
-- THE
CENTENNIAL SERVICES
OF
Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church,
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE.
OCTOBER 13-20, 1889.
Rev. JOHN D. C. HANNA, Editor .
WILMINGTON, DEL. : DELAWARE PRINTING COMPANY. 1889.
MEMBERS OF THE QUARTERLY CONFERENCE, ASBURY M. E. CHURCH. OCTOBER 16, 1889.
Pastor, REV. JOHN D. C. HANNA. Local Preachers, REV. JOHN SIMMONS, REV. J. H. SIMMS, M. D. Exhorters,
REV. CHAS. MOORE,
JOHN WISE, MATTHEW MCGARVEY, CHARLES A. FOSTER, ANDREW J. DALBOW, ROBERT G. HUMPHREYS, A. SERGEANT. Stewards,
C. M. LEITCH, Recording, WM. T. GROVES, District,
CHAS. MOORE,
CHARLES WOOD,
H. A. ROOP, WMI. F. JOHNSON,
Trustees,
DAVID R. TRUITT, Pres., A. DENNIS, WMI. B. WHARTON,
JOHN GREY,
C. F. WELCH, DAVID WITSEL, Class Leaders,
BENJ. J. DOWNING, JAS. H. FLOYD, T. A . D. HUTSON.
REV. JOHN D. C. HANNA, GEO. M. HEISLER,
JACOB ELLWANGER,
CHAS. F. BORDNER,
CHAS. A. FOSTER,
B. F. LEONARD,
CHAS. MOORE.
WMr. T. HOUPT,
JAS. E. MCKAY,
A. SERGEANT, .
LOUIS M. MAXWELL,
JOHN BANTHRUM, ANDREW J. DALBOW.
T. B. RIDGWAY,
JOHN WISE,
NOAH C. CUNNINGHAM, ROBT. G. HUMPHREYS, W'M. PENNELL,
WM. B. GENN,
Sunday School Superintendent,
JAS. E. MCKAY. Centennial Committee,
REV. JOHN D. C. HANNA, Chairman, W.M. B. GENN, Secretary,
C. M. LEITCH, GEO. S HAGANY, JOHN WISE,
JOHN GRAY, MRS. M. A. TAGGART, MRS. SALLIE MOORE,
MRS. M. R. LINCOLN, MISS SALLIE SHAW,
LEWIS M. MAXWELL,
C. C. RILEY, JAS. E. MCKAY, CHAS. F. BORDNER,
CHAS. F. WELCH, BENJAMIN J. DOWNING.
J. C. JOHNSON, J. T. MORTIMER,
JOHN WISE,
WM. F. MACLIN,
H. H. FERGUSON, GEO. S. HAGANY.
CHAS. H. HEALD,
MRS. SALLIE MOORE.
INDEX.
Centennial Quarterly Conference, 2
Centennial Ode-Rev. J. T. Van Burkalow, 3
Introduction, 5
Journal of Centennial Services, 8
SERMONS AND LETTERS.
Decisive Tests of Christian Religion. Acts v : 32-Bishop Cyrus D. Foss, D. D., L.L. D., . 17
The Joy of the Lord. Neh. viii : 10-Rev. John A. Roche, D. D., 32 The Power of Christ's Resurrection. Phil. iii : 10-Rev .. Chas. Hill. 44 Religious Meditation. Psalm civ : 34-Rev. Wm. C. Robinson, 55 The Fathers and the Secret of their Victories. Psalm xliv : 1, Rev. Enoch Stubbs, 62
The Scriptural Conclusion and Expedient. Gal. iii: 22-Rev. John A. B. Wilson, D, D., 72
Past Triumphs and Future Victories. I Cor. XV : 57-Rev. W. L. S. Murray, Ph. D., 86
The Transitory and the Permanent. Heb. xii : 26-27-Rev. Jacob
Todd, D. D., . 95
The Heroic Element in Christ's Sympathy .- Luke xix . 7 -- Rev.
W. Swindells, D. D., . 105
Letter from the Rev. Joseph C. Mason, 116 Letter from the Rev. G. Oram, 118
HISTORICAL PAPERS.
"Then-Now."-Rev. W. I. S. Murray, Ph. D., Presiding Elder, 121 Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church-Rev. John. D. C. Hanna,
Pastor, 135
Asbury Methodist Episcopal SundaySchool-Chas. F. Bordner, Esq., 165 "Our Local Preachers"-Rev. Charles Moore, . 169
Ezion Methodist Episcopal Church-Rev. Jos. R. Waters, Pastor, 172 St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church-Joseph Pyle, Esq., . . . 178 Union Methodist Episcopal Church-Rev. Adam Stengle, Pastor, 182 Mt. Salem Methodist Episcopal Church-Rev. Walter E. Avery,
Pastor, . 191
Scott Methodist Episcopal Church-Rev. Vaughn S. Collins, Pastor, 197 Brandywine Methodist Episcopal Church-Rev. C. A. Grise, Ph. D.,
Pastor, . 2II
Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church-Rev. D.H. Corkran, Pastor, 219 Grace Methodist Episcopal Church-Win. H. Billany, Esq., . . 225 Madeley Methodist Episcopal Church-Rev. H. W. Ewing, Pastor, 234 Haven Methodist Episcopal Chapel-Rev. Jas. H. Scott, Pastor, 239 Kingswood Methodist Episcopal Church-Rev. R. Irving Watkins,
Pastor, 243
Whittington Methodist Episcopal Chapel-Rev. J. A. Richardson,
Pastor, . 2.49
Swedish Methodist Episcopal Mission-Rev. W. L. S. Murray, Ph. D., 257
Silverbrook Methodist Episcopal Church-Rev. Chas. K. Morris, Pastor, . 260
Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church-Rev. W. G. Koons, Pastor, 268 Cookman Methodist Episcopal Church-Rev. Alfred T. Scott, Pastor, . 274
Newport Methodist Episcopal Church-Rev. Vincent G. Flinn, . 280 New Castle Methodist Episcopal Church-Rev. E. L. Hubbard,
Ph. D., Pastor, . 287
Edgemoor Methodist Fpiscopal Church-Rev. J. T. Van Burkalow,
Pastor, . 292
A Centennial Ode.
BY THE REV. J. T. VAN BURKALOW.
AIL, Asbury ! first-born of Methodist life In Wilmington, now with its progeny rife. - Fair mother of churches and mother of saints, We gather, in gladness, thro' Love's sweet constraints, In sermons and songs and reminiscences, now With Centennial honors to deck thy broad brow. Thy eight goodly daughters, in love, pure, Divine, Swart Ezion, Scott, Union. St. Paul's, Brandywine, Swall Silverbrook, Wesley and Cookman, all join With granddaughters, Kingswood, Edgemoor and fair Grace, Young Haven and Whittington of Africa's race, And great-granddaughters, Epworth and Madely, to place On thee, in glad service, through eight hallowed days, "The Crown of Rejoicing" and "Garment of Praise."
Weird memory and the historical Muse, The redolence rich of thy passed works diffuse. Wake echoes of many an eloquent tongue, Whose accents of truth from thy pulpit have rung. Among them, the Bishop, for whom thou wast named, And Harry, his servant, for eloquence famed, F. Garretson, Sorin, Daily, Atwood and White. George Quigley, John Inskip, Mast, Kenny, McCombs, And Gerry, with others-all gone to their tombs. Besides those deceased, yet alive, there are nine, Who've preached, as thy pastors, with pathos Divine. The first and the foremost is golden-mouthed Roche. Whose power, in the pulpit, but few can approach. Then Mason, kind-hearted, and Oram, demure ; Stubbs, Robinson, Murray, all genial and pure ; Emotional Bryan and Scripturist Hill, And Wilson, an engine of fire, force and will. All nine, men of mark, firm. reliable, leal- As true and as trusty as Bessemer steel. May still all the graces in these brightly bloom. Where e'er they may go, to shed heav'nly perfume.
The first mentioned, Roche, still warm-hearted, is'here, Oft taking some part, with deep interest and cheer. Thy people will long fondly cherish his name; And long may he live, and the Gospel proclaim. To Hanna, now, leading thy hosts in the fight, May unction Divine be imparted to light, Endue and assist him to win triumphs more Than any thy pastors enjoyed before.
Ten thousands of saints, born of thy laboring Love, Have gone to the Kingdom of Glory above; And thousands still living, in Christ o'er the earth, Confess that in thee they received the new birth.
The Prophetess, Hope, from success in the past, Vaticinates fondly that while time shall last, In all of thy branches, thou'll be a live vine, Abounding in fruits of the spirit Divine. Thy altar-fires, burning through one hundred years, Are bright yet, and ever Shekinah appears, In joy-lighted faces of real worshippers.
Thy Spiritual Temple, within and around. The structure, material and hallowed ground, Appears with the glory of holiness crowned. The foundations, firm, are Salvation-sapphires; The borders are precious stones, glowing like fires; The gates are all made of Carbuncles of Praise; The windows of rubies, to receive heav'ns rays; The whole of live stones, erected by God, His cause to promote and His Name spread abroad; Prompt sinners to seek for The Pearl of Great Price, To change them to saints, and restore paradise.
O! Glory to God, for such factors of Grace!
O! Glory to God, for such work for our race!
REV. JOHN D. C. HANNA,
Centennial Pastor of Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church.
Introduction.
Several months before the opening of the year 1889, the pas or and official members of Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church had decided that the centenary of the church should be observed with appropriate services. As they locked back over the century, they had every reason for the profoundest gratitude to Almighty God. Most wondrously had the mother church in Wilmington Methodism been led. The little structure of 1789 had developed by 1889 into a build- ing adapted in every way for the varied work of the church, and six- teen other Methodist Episcopal Churches had arisen in the city to demonstrate the expansive power of our Methodism. Though company after company had departed with the mother's blessing upon them to found church homes of their own, yet the forty-three members of a hundred years ago, despite these frequent depletions, had become nine hundred as the century closed.
The early struggles and heroic sacrifices which characterized our fathers in the founding of the church, the hope alternating with dis- couragement and culminating in victory which marked her progress, the scenes of triumphant joy about her altars in which thousands were born into the heavenly kingdom, the names of grand men and women both in the ministry and the laity the mere mention of which stirs the heart of the church; these, and many other considerations, concen- trated thought upon the worthy purpose of properly commemorating Asbury's hundreth anniversary. It was known, also, that many interesting facts and incidents, stored away in the memory of men still living, relating to the history of the various churches of the city, could not, if we waited a few years more, be gathered at all. Even in the history of the youngest churches, it was believed that there was much of thrilling interest that would be invaluable in another century, or even in a decade or two. The papers read at these services, and con- tained in this book, will demonstrate the correctness of these views.
When, therefore, in March, 1889, the editor of this volume was appointed pastor of Asbury, he began at once to confer with his
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CENTENNIAL EXERCISES
brethren in regard to the centenary celebration of the church. There was but one opinion-that we must have a service worthy of so important an occasion. Accordingly, at the Leaders and Stewards' meeting, held in the lecture-room, on Saturday evening, April 27th, a committee was appointed to consider plans for the proper observance of this eventful epoch in the church's history, with instructions to report at the First Quarterly Conference. The following persons com- posed this committee : The pastor, Rev. John D. C. Hanna, chairman; Rev. Chas. Moore, Geo. S. Hagany, C. M. Leitch, John Wise, Wm. Pennell. They met at the parsonage and drafted a general outline of the exercises, which was submitted to the Quarterly Conference held in the church parlor, June 15, 1889, the Presiding Elder, Rev. W. L. S. Murray, Ph. D., in the chair. This report was adopted and the Quarterly Conference appointed a "Centennial Committee" to take full control of the Centennial proceedings. The committee composed of three members from each of the boards and societies of the church with the pastor as chairman, was as follows : Rev. John D. C. Hanna, chairman; C. M. Leitch, Geo. S. Hagany and John Wise, stewards; W. B. Genn, Lewis M. Maxwell and Chas. F. Bordner, leaders; Chas. F. Welch, Benjamin J. Downing and John Gray, trustees; Jas. E. Mckay, C. C. Riley and Miss Sallie Shaw, from the Sunday School Board; and Mrs. M. A. Taggart, Mrs. Sallie Moore and Mrs. M. R. Lincoln, from the Ladies' Aid Society. The committee met at the parsonage on successive Monday evenings, and discussed with great ¿are the arranging of a programme.
It was decided by the "Centennial Committee" that the services should extend from October 13th to 20th, inclusive. Services in the afternoon and evening were to be held each week-day, except Wednes- day, which being "Asbury's Centennial Day," was to be observed with appropriate exercises morning, afternoon and night. The ex- pastors were invited to preach on the Sabbaths and on the evenings during the week, with distinguished ministers of the church to take the place of any ex-pastors who might be unable to attend. Historical meetings were to be held each afternoon from Monday to Saturday, at which all Methodist Episcopal Churches related to Asbury should be represented by their pastors with historical papers. The Young Peoples' Christian Endeavor Society was given the Sabbath afternoon of October 13th, and the Sabbath School the afternoon of October 20th, with directions to furnish their own order of exercises. W. T. Groves and W. B. Genn were appointed Directors of Music, and Mrs. Maria Floyd, John T. Askew and Isaac F. Rainear served as Decorating Committee. The Christian Endeavor Society appointed T. A. D.
7
ASBURY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Hutson, chairman; Jennie Fox, Anna Scott, Sallie Johnson, Ilarry L. Gray and Alfred Willing, a committee into whose hands was intrusted the management of its service, and the Sabbath School Board appoint- ed a similar committee as follows : H. H. Ferguson, chairman; Miss Ella Marvell, Miss Ella Nowell, Alfred Willing and Anderson A. Fieiding. The whole programme will be indicated in tlie Centennial Journal.
The Centennial Service was a magnificent success. The tasteful and pleasing decorations were in perfect accord with the historic occa- sion. A beautiful arch spanned the platform, on the keystone of which was inscribed, "1789-Asbury-1889," while the names of the daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughters of this vener- able church were appropriately arranged on each side. Near the base of the arch on one hand were the words, "Thus far have we come, 1789," and on the other, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us, 1889." Tiers of plants, begonias, palms, ferns, carnations, chrysanthemums and geraniums, rose from the chancel floor to the platform on the right and left of the pulpit, while a scroll of evergreens on which were the words, "1789, First the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear, 1889," adorned the center. The rest of the church was festooned with the country's flag and colors, while at various nooks and corners vases of verdant palms and blooming flowers added beauty to the scene. The well-chosen music was delightfully rendered and full of inspiration; the preaching was most impressive; the historical papers thrilling in interest, and the atmosphere of the Love Feasts more of heaven than of earth. The church was crowded with attentive listeners, and in the evenings hundreds were turned away because standing room could not be obtained.
We are glad to have had a part in this glorious service, and doubt not that while thousands of the seen participated in this spiritual feast unperceived by human eye, a countless host of the redeemed who once worshipped at these altars, cherished shepherds of other days and ven- erated saints of the flock, joyously mingled with us in our Jubilee.
Upon the pastor, both by the general gathering and by the Cen- tennial Committee, was imposed the duty of editing this volume. In the midst of a busy pastorate he has put forth his best effort to make the book a worthy souvenir of the occasion. And now it is sent forth in the hope that its words may be inspiring to Methodists everywhere, and that it may incite many other churches to gather in some perma- nent form, facts of their own local history that otherwise will soon be lost forever.
JOHN D. C. HANNA.
S
CENTENNIAL EXERCISES
Centennial Journal.
SABBATH SERVICES, Oct. 13.
The Centennial Services of Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church commenced at 9 A. M., with a Love Feast in charge of the Revs. T. Snowden Thomas and John D. C. Hanna. As early as seven o'clock the people began flocking toward the time-honored sanctuary, and by nine o'clock the church was filled in every part. For an hour and a half, testimony, song and prayer continued, jthe interest growing more and more intense to the close. Among others who participated in the experience meeting were Chas. Moore, Ann G. Perkins. Geo. S. Hagany, Capt. Win. Noble, John Wise, Lewis M. Maxwell, Elisha Cole, Dr. J. H. Simms, Rev. H. Sanderson, and Dr. John A. Roche.
At 10.30 the preaching services of the morning were held. Bishop John F. Hurst, D. D., LL. D., had been secured for this occasion, but not being present, Rev. John A. Roche, D. D., of Brooklyn, pastor of Asbury in 1851-52, kindly consented to occupy the pulpit. Hymns 624 and 726 were sung, Isaiah xii, and II. Cor. viii, were read as lessons, the Rev. H. Sanderson offered prayer, and Dr. Roche preached most eloquently from Nehemiah viii: 10. The service was concluded by singing Hymn 224, prayer by the Rev. J. L. Houston, and the Bene- diction by the Rev. Chas. K. Morris.
In the afternoon at three o'clock the Christian Endeavor Society was in charge. T. B. Ridgway, Esq., President of the Society, presided. After appropriate music under the auspices of the young people and prayer by the Rev. D. H. Corkran, the Rev. Win. Swin- dells, D). D., of the Philadelphia Conference, presented Christ to the audience in a most pleasing and touching manner, from the text, Luke xix: 7.
In the evening at 7.30 Dr. Roche preaclied again to a delighted audience from Zach. iv: 6, 7. The Rev. J. R. Dill made the opening prayer, and the choir furnished appropriate music. At the close of the
ASBURY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
sermon, the preacher invited penitents to the altar, and several persons responded. Andrew J. Dolbow, Esq., conducted an overflow meeting in the lecture-room at the same hour.
MONDAY, Oct. 14.
The first historical meeting of the Centennial celebration was held at 2.30 P. M., Joseph Pyle, Esq., of St. Paul's M. E. Church, in the chair, Rev. W. G. Koons, Secretary. After appropriate devotional exercises, the chairman stated that Rev. I. E. Barrett, pastor of St. Paul's Church, was too ill to be present, and so could not take his place on the programme. Mr. Pyle himself, however, after extemporaneous remarks on early Methodist history, read a paper of great interest on "The History of St. Paul's M. E. Church." The paper was discussed by Mrs. Ann G. Perkins, Dr. Roche and Abner P. Bailey, Esq.
A valuable "History of Kingswood" was read by the pastor, the Rev. R. Irving Watkins.
The Rev. E. L. Hubbard read "The History of New Castle M. E. Church," and remarks were made by Dr. Roche and the Rev. N. M. Browne.
"The History of Haven M. E. Chapel" was then presented by its pastor, the Rev. J. H. Scott. Revs. W. L. S. Murray, Ph. D., Pre- siding Elder of the Wilmington District, and J. T. Van Burkalow expressed their admiration of the paper.
At 7.30 P. M. the Rev. Chas. Hill, of Elkton, who for three terms was pastor of Asbury, preached. After introductory exercises in which Dr. Murray took part, the preacher announced as his text Phil. iii: 10. The sermon was clear, scriptural and impressive, and seekers of this knowledge came in answer to the invitation to the altar. The evening was very inclement, the audience small, but those present felt, "It is good to be here."
TUESDAY, Oct. 15.
At 2.30 P. M. the chairman, John G. Baker, Esq., of Grace Church, called the meeting to order. Jas. C. Pickles, Esq., was elected Secre- tary and acted in this position through the remainder of the week. After singing and prayer, the chairman announced that the Rev. Jacob Tood, D. D., who had been requested to prepare a "History of Grace Church, " had appointed Wm. H. Billany, Esq., to perform that task. Mr. Billany then read an interesting account of the work of Grace Church, which elicited remarks from Drs. Roche and Murray.
A "History of Madeley," a great-granddaughter of Asbury, was
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CENTENNIAL EXERCISES
then read by the pastor, the Rev. H. W. Ewing, and discussed by the chairman and also by Abner P. Bailey, Esq., Dr. Murray and Mrs. Ann G. Perkins.
Another great-granddaughter's history, the "History of Epworth M. E. Church," was presented to the meeting by the Rev. D. H. Cork- ran. the pastor. Remarks thereon were made by Wm. H. Billany, Esq., Abner P. Bailey, Esq., Dr. Jacob Todd, Dr. Murray, and the Rev. John White.
The "History of Newport M. E. Church," in the absence of the pastor, Rev. Jas. E. Bryan, was read by the Rev. Vincent G. Flinn, who had prepared the paper with great care. It was claimed by the his- torian that Newport came to the Centennial not as a daughter, but to offer congratulations to her older sister upon the return of her hundredth birthday. Discussion followed in which the Rev. Daniel Green, of Newport, Solomon Hersey, Esq., Dr. Roche, the Rev. Henry Sanderson, and Dr. Murray took part.
In the evening at 7.30, the Rev. R. Irving Watkins conducted the introductory services, and the Rev. Jacob Todd, D. D., preached with great freedom to a large congregation from Heb. xii: 26-27.
Asbury's Centennial Day.
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 16.
This was a great day in the history of Asbury Church. To com- memorate together the Centennial Day, many of the members laid aside all business cares, and spent within their church home the clos- ing hours of the first century and the first hours of the second.
At 10 A. M. Geo. W. Todd, Esq., of Grace M. E. Church, took the chair, and conducted the devotional exercises. Capt. Alexander Kelley, a member of Asbury years ago, was to have presided, but sick- ness preventing, Mr. Todd kindly consented to take his place. The Rev. W. L. S. Murray, Ph. D., Presiding Elder of Wilmington Dis- trict, read an essay entitled, "Then-Now." At the conclusion of the paper the pastor, Rev. John D. C. Hanna, introduced the following resolutions, which were adopted unanimously by a rising vote:
We have heard with much interest the paper read by our Presid- ing Elder, the Rev. W. L. S. Murray, Ph. D. Its descriptions of the trials of the early Methodists, of their triumphs through Christ, and of the peace and victory of the present, have stirred our souls. To-day we thank God for the history of the century past. But above all have
ABNER P. BAILEY, ESQ.,
One of Asbury's Veterans, a true and tried friend of Methodism.
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ASBURY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
we been interested in the practical suggestions relating to church ex- tension in Wilmington. We are convinced that broader cooperation and greater concentration of effort would produce much more import- ant results; therefore,
Resolved, I. That we have heard our Presiding Elder's sugges- tions with the conviction that some immediate steps should be taken for the furtherance of Methodism in Wilmington,
Resolved, II. That Dr. Murray be requested to call a convention of the Methodists of Wilmington at the earliest date convenient, to consider plans for the advancement of our church in this city; and that the pastors of the city and two laymen for every hundred mem- bers and probationers of each church, shall be delegates to this con- vention.
General reminiscences were then in order, and for an hour in which sacred song blended with stirring testimony, the delighted audience enjoyed the laymen's reunion. Memory and gratitude were awakened by the remarks of George A. Hartman, Esq,, Rev. Chas. Moore, Rev. J. T. Van Burkalow. Dr. Roche, H. H. Ferguson, Esq., Andrew J. Dalbow, Esq., Mrs. Ann G. Perkins, Jas. E. McKay, Esq., and Jas. C. Pickels, Esq.
At 2.30 P. M. the "History of Asbury" was the theme. Geo. S. Hagany, Esq., of Asbury, presided, and after conducting the devotions, introduced the pastor, Rev. John D. C. Hanna, who read the general history, and Chas. F. Bordner, Esq., who presented a "History of the Sunday School." The chairman read an essay entitled, "Our Local Preachers," and the Rev. Chas. Moore spoke on the same subject. General discussion was participated in by Dr. Roche and otliers, and a "Centennial Ode" was read by Solomon Hersey, Esq.
In the evening every inch of space was occupied and many could not secure an entrance to the building. After C. M. Leitch, Esq., had sung a stirring "Centennial Hymn" composed by Ashley Simpson, Esq., the Rev. Wm. C. Robinson, pastor of Asbury in 1863 and '64, now of Philadelphia, preached an appropriate sermon from Psalms civ: 34. An invitation was given to penitents and several came forward to the altar for prayer.
THURSDAY, OCT. 17.
The historical meeting of Thursday afternoon opened at 2.30 o'clock. G. W. Joseph, Esq., of Union M. E. Church, presiding. Devo- tions were led by the chairman, who, after a few general remarks, introduced the Rev. J. R. Waters, of Ezion Church. Mr. Waters read
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CENTENNIAL EXERCISES
an able paper giving the history of his church. An interesting dis- cussion followed in which the Rev. Chas. Moore, Abner P. Bailey, Esq., Dr. Roche, Dr. Murray and Mrs. M. A. Taggart participated.
The Rev. Adam Stengle traced the "History of Union M. E. Church," and a spirited debate followed participated in by Dr. Roche, Mrs. Ann G. Perkins and Mr. Stengle.
"The History of Wesley M. E. Church," read by the Rev. W. G. Koons, showed that deeds of heroisin in our church were not all of the remote past. Remarks were made by Mrs. Ann G. Perkins and Dr. Murray.
Father Samuel Hance, 93 years of age, and a local preacher of much power, being called upon by the pastor, spoke with feeling of his remembrance of the early days, and dismissed the congregation with the benediction.
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