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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02931 3480
Gc 977.302 0a2t Thirty years of Grace Church, Oak Park
PLEASE CHECK MATERIAL IN BACK POCKET AFTER EACH USE
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Allem County Public Library 9/00 Webster Street PO Box 2270 "Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2270
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nIRTy YEARSof GRACE anuRan Oak Park the samebeing a briefrecord Sof its life and work, illustrated with portraits and such historical views as were obtainable.
November MDCCCCIX
PREFACE
O NE of the chief charms which gather around the Churches and Cathedrals of Europe is the record of their histories. Besides being of interest, it is of decided value in after years. History cannot be written, for history is action; but results of individual and organic life may be recorded. For its interest and value, then, the records of the first thirty years' life of Grace Church, Oak Park, are hereby presented.
The editor realizes that this is no easy matter, for in the passing of what is practically a generation in human life, events have crowded one upon another with marvellous rapidity, and of necessity much must be here omitted.
Again, this is not a philosophy of history. It does not attempt to interpret reasons or motives for actions, nor will it be confined to laudation or criticisms.
There are some additional reasons for the publica- tion of this book. The parish has contributed in no small way to the work of the whole Kingdom of God. It holds the unique distinction of giving its Rector to be the Bishop of its own Diocese, and to be elected by that Diocese by an unanimous vote. It has lived to see its own greater growth and development under that Episcopal supervision, guidance and love. It has given of its valuable laymen to active service upon the most important committees of the Diocese, and its present Rector as a Diocesan Deputy to the General Convention of the Church.
The growth of the Parish during the thirty years is additional warrant for this enterprise. The Parish
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communicant roll has grown from 68 to approximately 1200 in the thirty years, and now stands in the front rank of Diocesan Parishes. Situated, as it was, in a Puritanical community, it has influenced very largely the entire religious thought in a Churchly direction. This is to be seen in the observance of Lent and Holy Week, orders of services and in other ways. The Parish also numbers a larger constituency than any other single congregation in Oak Park.
We realize that under God we have only laid founda- tions. May other wise builders better fulfil His work, and carry it to a glorious consummation. May He pardon all our errors of omission and commission, and accept our hearty thanks for His blessings, for "Except the Lord build the house their labor is but lost that build it."
ERNEST VINCENT SHAYLER.
[4]
HISTORY OF GRACE CHURCH
T HE Services of the Book of Common Prayer, with the public ministrations pertaining thereto, for the residents of this community were first held in a little school house, located in Harlem, Cook County, Illinois. It was a village named after a suburb of New York City. The tiny congregation then removed into a private dwelling, which had been formerly a hotel and known as the Harlem House, but in 1867 a wooden building was erected at a cost of $7,167.49, the money being ad- vanced by J. S. Quick. The Chicago and Northwestern Railway donated $500 towards the amount and the remainder, with the exception of $2,902.32 (a direct gift of Mr. Quick), was contributed by the worshipers subsequent to the opening services, July 21, 1867.
Dr. H. W. Bishop and Dr. Morrison, father of the present Bishop of Iowa, ministered in the early days to the people, and Canons Knowles, Street and Dorset of the Chicago Cathedral, with some others, served during the first year. In March, 1868, the Rev. Alex- ander Fullerton became Rector and served for nearly a year, when the Rev. W. Ingram Magill succeeded him and served until November, 1871. Dr. Reynolds followed in office and died in service. He was a man of self-sacrificing character and greatly beloved; and was buried from the Church, the expenses of his burial being paid by the congregation.
Among the more active in the congregation, who are known to the present generation, were the families of Amos Pack, Thomas Rattle, Joseph Harvey, Al- bert W. Giles, George Sharp, J. Perine Sharp, John
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Carne, C. E. Roe, W. Archdeacon and R. S. Worth- ington.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Harvey were the first couple united in Holy Matrimony in that Church.
Mention is made of these facts because they bring to view some of those who have since been active in Grace Church itself; and be it understood that this is in no wise an attempt to write the history of Christ Church, Harlem, but merely to introduce some of those who afterwards organized Grace Church Mission and Parish in Oak Park.
Grace Church is not an organic continuity of Christ Church, Harlem, but is self-constituted according to the laws of the Diocese, and its history dates from the period of its organization as a Mission. This is merely introductory to our history, for after the organization of Grace Mission, Christ Church, Harlem, became de- funct and was no longer to be found upon the roll of Parishes in union with the Convention of the Diocese.
The congregation looked to the establishment of a Mission at some point in the Town of Cicero, to be selected by the Bishop. There were difficulties in the way of retaining the old Parish identity and con- tinuity, owing to the fact that the contemplated change of location carried the Parish over the boundary into another "village, borough or city." There were also other reasons. Accordingly the following petition, with its signatures, was laid before the Bishop : Right Reverend Father in God:
We, the undersigned, residents of Oak Park, County of Cook, Diocese of Illinois, being desirous of obtain- ing the services of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and ready, according to our several ability, to sustain the same, do hereby request you to inquire into our estate and provide for us as you may deem proper and expedient.
We do hereby declare ourselves, individually and collectively, ready to do what in us lies to establish
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THE REVEREND HENDERSON JUDD First Rector, 1879-1882
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ICE CREAM PARLOR
B
GRE
HOARD'S HALL Birthplace of Grace Mission, Organized 1879
and sustain the regular worship of the said Church, and promote its influence in our neighborhood; and we promise conformity to its doctrines, discipline, liturgy, rites and usages. We put ourselves under your charge and will reverently obey your authority. We promise conformity to the Constitution and Canons of the Gen- eral Convention and of the Diocese of Illinois, and the rules and regulations of its Convention. In accord- ance with these obligations and rules we now ask the privilege of being organized as a Mission under the name of Grace Church, Oak Park, Illinois.
Furthermore, we hereby specially stipulate and agree to raise among us and faithfully pay to the Board of Missions of the Diocese every year, such contributions as may be assumed by us as our minimum toward the stated salary of the Missionary who may be sent to us. And we now agree for the first year to pay, in quarterly instalments, the amount, at least, of dollars. Remaining obediently yours in the Church of God.
A. S. Pack
Joseph Harvey
George Sharp
Hiram Coombs
Robert Worthington
Edward E. Giddings
T. S. Rattle
Fannie Harvey
A. W. Giles
Mrs. T. S. VanBergen
John Carne, Jr.
S. E. Pebbles
Mrs. C. E. Roe
James Broddle
Fred J. Knott
Edith Delafield
A. W. Pebbles
Mrs. W. C. Taylor
Ella V. Fitch
Mrs. E. E. Mayo
Annie M. Hunt
Mrs. Veasie
Mrs. M. A. Bennett H. S. Scheck
M. J. Brown
Mrs. S. E. Pebbles
Irene Brown
Emma J. Sharp
Mrs. A. W. Giles
Mrs. C. M. Sturges
Mrs. T. S. Rattle
Mary Mayo
W. J. Taylor
Leon T. Brown
Mrs. G. W. Brown
J. H. Ervine
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To this the Bishop replied :
DIOCESE OF CHICAGO.
255 Ontario St., Chicago. November 20, 1879.
In accordance with the petition of a canonical num- ber of persons, resident in Oak Park, I hereby organize a Mission to be known as Grace Church Mission, Oak Park, and I appoint the following persons as officers of the same :
A. S. Pack
Wardens.
George Sharp
R. S. Worthington, Treasurer.
Thomas S. Rattle, Clerk.
WILLIAM EDWARD MCLAREN, Bishop of Illinois.
It is interesting to note that the name Grace Church was proposed by Mrs. George Sharp, the wife of the Junior Warden. She afterwards organized a guild of young women, known as the St. Katherine's Guild, which has done faithful and valuable service for many years.
The place selected for the meeting of the adherents of the Mission was Hoard's Hall, located at the corner of Marion and Lake Street, Oak Park. The first service was held November 9, 1879, by the Rev. T. N. Morrison some time before the organization was effected; with others following until the completion of a new Church on Forest Avenue.
Only four baptisms were administered in this meet- ing place for worship, as it was deemed best to admin- ister that Sacrament in the homes of the parishioners. The first child baptized after the constitution of the Mission was Mary Lucetta Roe (now Pinkstaff). There were two Confirmation classes in the hall. The first was composed of Hiram Coombs, Lettie Bishop
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AMOS SQUIRE PACK First Senior Warden, 1879-1882
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ROBERT S. WORTHINGTON Vestryman, 1879-1884 Junior Warden, 1884-1891 Senior Warden, 1891-1892
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Gustorf (now Wood) and Hettie Judd. The second class comprised ten persons.
On the 15th day of February, 1880, the Rev. Hen- derson Judd, having been appointed by the Bishop, entered upon his work as priest-in-charge. The Mission was self-supporting from the outset. It paid its priest $1,000 per annum. It started with 29 fam- ilies and 60 communicants.
In less than a year after its organization a meeting of the congregation was held, at the residence of R. S. Worthington, to consider the purchase of a lot and the erection of a Church. Localities for a Church were discussed; several pledges were given, and the officers of the Mission felt warranted in prosecuting the work. This meeting resulted in the purchase of a lot on Forest Avenue 833 feet in width at a cost of $35 per foot. The committee on selection of lot were Messrs. Pack, Sharp and Rattle. The "lot" meeting was followed by another in February of the next year, which met at Mr. Pack's house for the purpose of taking preliminary steps towards graduating the Mission into a Parish. Application was then made to the Bishop and the following reply received :
DIOCESE OF ILLINOIS.
May 6, 1881.
Having received the Canonical notices and other information on the premises, I hereby approve the organization of a Parish, to be called Grace Church, Oak Park, and when the said organization is effected and the Parish comes into union with the Convention, the Mission organization of the same name is hereby dissolved.
W. E. McLAREN, Bishop of Illinois.
At the next Vestry meeting George Sharp arose and said: "The Church must be built and by the help
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of God will be built and built at once." Messrs. Pack, Vilas, Seabury and H. Coombs were appointed a com- mittee to solicit subscriptions. Messrs. J. Carne, Jr., R. S. Worthington and J. P. Sharp were appointed a building committee. Mr. Pack was subsequently added to this committee at the request of the other members.
In three months' time the Church was commenced. On the festival of St. John the Baptist, June 24, 1882, the corner stone was laid by Bishop McLaren, assisted by Rev. Mr. Judd, in the presence of several of the clergy of the Diocese and of a large gathering of people made up of members of the congregation and of other citizens of Oak Park. In the corner stone was placed : 1. Copies of the papers of organization of Grace Parish, viz., (a) application to the Bishop to organize, with 32 names attached, (b) consent of the Bishop to organize, (c) minutes of the meeting held June 15, 1881, for perfecting the organization, (d) certificate of the priest-in-charge of Grace Mission, Oak Park, Illinois, acting as President of the meeting, (e) certifi- cate of the Secretary of the meeting, sworn to before a Notary Public.
2. Names of the officers of the Parish :
A. S. Pack, Senior Warden John Carne, Jr. George Sharp, Junior Warden Albert W. Giles R. S. Worthington, Treasurer Frederick Gustorf Thomas S. Rattle. Secretary J. Perine Sharp
3. Parish Statistics: (a) Families, 54; total souls, 217; communicants, 113; Sunday School teachers, 11; scholars, 69; Supt., T. S. Rattle. (b) Statistics of "Ladies' Parish Aid Society."
4. Building Committee: J. Carne, Jr., Chairman, A. S. Pack, J. P. Sharp. R. S. Worthington.
5. Architect: C. L. Stiles, Chicago.
6. Sixty-one names of contributors towards the erection of the Church.
7. Photograph of Rt. Rev. W. E. McLaren, Bishop
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GEORGE SHARP Junior Warden, 1879-1882 Senior Warden, 1882, 1891
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THOMAS S. RATTLE Vestryman, 1879-1888, 1889-1894, 1898-1906 Senior Warden, 1906 Clerk, 1879-1885
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of the Diocese of Illinois. One copy Diocesan Journal, 1881. One copy Journal of General Convention, 1880. One Hymnal. One Prayer-Book. The Living Church, June 24th, 1882. The Churchman, June 24th, 1882. Copies of the following dailies of Chicago: Chicago Evening Journal, June 23rd, 1882; Times, Tribune, Inter-Ocean, Herald and News of June 24th, 1882. One copy Oak Park Alert, June 24th, 1882. Thirty cards of men carrying on their business, or profes- sions, in Oak Park. One copy of the service used on the occasion of laying the corner stone.
One faithful worker and true Christian gentleman was not permitted to enjoy upon earth the fruition of his labors in the temporal affairs of the Parish. Amos Pack died December 30, 1882, mourned by a large circle of relatives and associates, and at his death the following resolutions were adopted.
At a meeting of the Vestry, December 31, 1882, the following memorial action was taken:
WHEREAS, it has pleased Almighty God in His wise Providence to take out of this world the soul of our deceased brother, Amos S. Pack, late Senior Warden of this Parish; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That bowing a humble resignation to the will of God, we recognize in this sad bereavement a loss to the community of a citizen, faithful in every relation of life; and in an unusual degree respected and honored by all who knew him; and a loss to this Parish of a communicant and Church Warden, who for many years had lived in the midst of us, and had exhibited a most Godly, consistent and saintly char- acter. And that giving God hearty thanks for the good example of this, His servant, we will ever hold in grateful remembrance his earnest zeal and his sacri- ficing spirit for "Christ and the Church."
The building was completed and opened for public worship on Easter Day, March 25, 1883. It cost
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$7,578.21, and the furnishings $1,503; total, $9,081.21. This does not include the frame guild room, added later.
Memorial windows were given, one of the late Joseph Perine Sharp, Sr., and one of the late Amos Squire Pack, servants of God departed this life in His faith and fear. A marble font was given in memory of Ralph Harvey; an Altar desk in memory of Sidney Hiram Coombs; elegant copies of Prayer-book and Altar service, the gift of Madame Gustorf's Sunday School class; and exquisitely wrought cloths for the pulpit, lecturn and prayer desk, the workmanship of two or three ladies of the Church.
The following children were baptized upon the occa- sion of the opening of the Church:
Paul S. Rattle Raymond E. Cross
Louis H. Sharp Harriet Vilas
Norman C. Coombs Albert M. Vilas
Myrtle S. Cross Jessie F. Vilas
The choir which had led the praises of the congre- gation prior to as well as during the occupancy of Hoard's Hall, and which first served in the new Church, was composed of Mrs. H. H. Hunt, Mrs. Charles Seabury, W. R. Roney and A. W. Giles. Al- bert W. Giles was choirmaster and the following reso- lutions of appreciation were adopted by the Vestry July 11, 1882 :
RESOLVED, That the Vestry desires to place upon record their appreciation of the faithful and able man- ner in which Mr. Albert W. Giles has so long served as leader of our Church choir; and that the thanks of the congregation are hereby, through its Vestry, ten- dered to Mr. Giles for his kind and faithful service.
The Parish meeting of April, 1883, elected George Sharp and Robert S. Worthington as Senior and Junior Wardens, respectively, and two new men upon the Vestry, Hiram Coombs and Charles Seabury.
Mr. Judd resigned as Rector of the Parish Novem-
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MARY LUCETTA ROE PINKSTAFF First child baptized in the Mission
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GRACE CHURCH 1881-1898
ber 5, 1884. While accepting the resignation the Vestry placed upon the Parish records their regret, and an expression of their kindliest feelings towards him. A comparison of the statistics of 1880 with those of 1884 will exhibit much growth during this period. The families have increased from 29 to 65; Church population from 129 to 250 souls; communicants from 60 to 136; contributions in 1881 were $1,416.20, in 1884 they were $4,213.57.
After the resignation of the Rev. Henderson Judd the Bishop appointed the Rev. Alexander Spaight to officiate during the vacancy. Mr. Spaight won his way into the hearts of the people, and the Parish desired to have him as its Rector, but for some reason this was never accomplished. The resolution, passed at his retirement, speaks of increased attendance at ser- vice, enlarged Sunday School and the deep, personal love of all, as well as regrets that they were to be deprived of his ministrations.
The Rev. John Wilkinson of St. Luke's Church, Dixon, Illinois, was then called to the Rectorate, but declined. He had performed valuable services, and possessed many friends in the Diocese. He had offici- ated at the burial of Dr. Reynolds of Christ Church, Harlem; and was Bishop Whitehouse's first Chaplain, being located at the Bishop's Chapel, now the Cathe- dral, in 1861. It is more than passing strange that his son, Henry O. Wilkinson, should later become a valued Clerk and Vestryman of the Parish.
In November, 1885, Rev. George B. Pratt, of Hast- ings, Minnesota, was elected Rector. He accepted the call and began his Rectorate upon December 13th of the same year. The history of the Parish, during the early years of this Rectorate, shows a normal develop- ment in all good things, the spiritual and the social sides of the Parish, being both enlarged. In 1880 Arthur Gustorf and his wife moved into the Parish
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and from this period until the date of his death he cared for varied interests in a large way. Parish socials, musicals and receptions were held to strengthen the parochial ties, in which Arthur Gustorf and Miss Sophia Sharp were able leaders. For more than twenty years Mr. Gustorf had exclusive charge of the Christmas decorations and not a year passed by without the thanks of the Vestry being recorded in appreciation thereof.
Among the faithful Vestrymen of this time the names of Frederick Gustorf, 1881-1887, and A. H. Vilas, 1885-1887, must find a place.
At the Parish meeting, 1887, E. S. Watts and H. J. Ullman were elected Vestrymen; and the Rector's action, in inaugurating the boy choir, was discussed and approved. This choir, however, was not vested until December, 1888.
At the annual meeting of 1888 the names of John Palmer, E. G. Corneau and G. H. Worthington ap- pear as Vestrymen. The latter was elected Clerk and continued to serve in such office until April, 1894, and Vestryman until 1899. The records of this entire period show now what care and faithfulness were ex- pended upon the work. It was then decided to build a frame building for the use of the choir, guilds and Sunday School, but it was not until the following year, in June, that a contract was let to erect the building, 18 feet by 28 feet, at a cost of $527.
With a new and vested choir developed the need for a new organ and the Rector on April 12, 1889, obtained permission of the Vestry to install a new organ, "pro- viding the Parish treasury was not asked to pay for same. "
The Vestry of Grace Church has always been noted for the presence of active business men as its mem- bers; and in April, 1889, at the instance of Hiram Coombs, certain resolutions were adopted for the more
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First child baptized in Forest Avenue Church
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PAUL STUART RATTLE First child baptized in Forest Avenue Church
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efficient method of conducting parochial affairs. These resolutions provided for an organization, monthly de- tailed reports from the Treasurer, all vouchers to be signed by Finance Committee before payment of bills, etc.
A new carpet was placed in the Church in 1890, and the old one given to one of the Chicago Missions.
The members of the vested choir had formed an association to care for the choir interests, and on No- vember 4, 1890, it presented a communication to the Vestry, requesting permission to carry a processional cross, which request was laid upon the table until the next meeting.
To the Vestry of Grace Church:
GENTLEMEN :- The members of the choir beg leave to present a request, which was enthusiastically en- dorsed by an unanimous vote. In our meetings we have frequently discussed the desirability of carrying a cross in our processionals at the Sunday services. In an interview between the men of the choir and our Rector, sometime ago, he expressed his approval of the plan, provided that the vestry should consent.
We therefore take this opportunity to lay before you our request for your sanction. We do not feel it necessary to introduce any arguments in support of our proposition, only suggesting that our processional is incomplete, without the cross, and that there can be no very urgent objection to the use in the pro- cessional of the symbol which is used so freely and so sacredly elsewhere in our Church.
We certainly are very earnest in our request, and trust you may see fit to co-operate with us.
Cyrus Falconer, Jr. Charles Seabury
H. J. Ullmann George H. Melville
R. C. Coombs Frank F. Short
R. B. Wallace Edwin Schneider
A. Coombs
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At the next Vestry meeting the matter was laid over for a special meeting to be called after the Sun- day morning service next following. At the special meeting, after extended remarks, the vote being taken showed ayes 6, nays 3. Upon the next Sunday morn- ing the Senior Warden, George Sharp, presented his resignation, which was not accepted. However, the resignation was finally accepted and we glean from the resolution then adopted some of the appreciation of the second Senior Warden's valuable service :
"We realize how much our Church is indebted to you for its growth and progress; and for the material aid you have given it. We know how faithfully you have guarded its interests and maintained its rights ; and how you have always been ready to do all in your power to promote its prosperity and usefulness.
"We cannot address you as one that is going away from us, for we know we shall continue to see you in your accustomed place in the congregation. Will you kindly accept, with this, the assurances for ourselves and for the Vestry of the esteem and regard that we hold for your kindness and generosity, and the many evidences of those attributes that mark the character of the Christian gentleman?"
Robert S. Worthington succeeded as Senior Warden and Albert W. Giles as Junior Warden at the annual meeting in 1891.
The Rev. G. B. Pratt tendered his resignation as Rector April 8, 1891, to take effect the same date, after a period of service of more than five years. Dur- ing his Rectorate $2,000 was paid upon the Church indebtedness in addition to those achievements already recorded.
The women of the Mission had organized a society, known as the Parish Aid Society, immediately upon the organization of the Mission. Mrs. George Sharp served as Treasurer, under Presidents elected annu-
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1
ALBERT WOLFE GILES Vestryman, 1881-1889 Junior Warden, 1889-1893 Senior Warden, 1893-1906
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CHARLES SEABURY Vestryman, 1883-1895 Junior Warden, 1895-1906 Clerk, 1885-1888
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ally, until Easter, 1892. Its name was changed to Grace Church Guild in 1889 and later to the Parochial Guild, in order to distinguish it from the other societies of the Parish. Hundreds of dollars have been raised annually by these loyal women, and it is safe to assert that in a large measure the Parish owes its success to them. Not a Parish meeting in thirty years but resolutions of thanks have been extended to them. To record the history of the Guild would require a volume even larger than this, which contains this brief Parish history.
During the short interval of vacancy in the Rec- torate the Rev. T. S. Ritchie, of Fond du Lac, sup- plied the Parish with ministrations. On May 5th the name of the Rev. Charles P. Anderson, of Beachburg, Ontario, Canada, was brought before the Vestry, and in June of the same year he was elected Rector of the Parish, beginning his work July 7, 1891.
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