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EMORIAL
OF THE
FIFTIETH YEAR
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from Lyrasis Members and Sloan Foundation
http://www.archive.org/details/memorialoffiftie00stpa
Property of A. B. Tweeto,
JONATHAN OSWALD, D. D. 1836-1862.
WM M. BAUM, D. D. 1862-1874,
L. A. GOTWALD, D. D. 1874-1885.
REV. W S. FREAS.
1885.
MEMORIAL
OF THE
FIFTIETH YEAR.
1836 ->a/c +af :- 1886
PUBLISHED BY
ST. PAUL'S ENGLISH
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH,
YORK, PA., JUNE, 1886.
29794
-
LUTHERAN PUBLICATION HOUSE PRINT. PHILADELPHIA.
HOLY BIBLE
BX 8076 Y6 516
THIS VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF OUR PRECIOUS DEAD-THE BLESSED COMPANY OF THOSE WHO, HAVING FINISHED THEIR COURSE IN THE TRIUMPHS OF CHRISTIAN FAITH, HAVE GONE OUT AND UP FROM THIS EARTHLY TEMPLE INTO "THE HOUSE NOT MADE WITH HANDS ETERNAL IN THE HEAV- ENS."
1836 <<<
"And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possessions, and ye shall return every man unto his family." 4
1886-
PREFACE.
ONE of the first suggestions for a proper celebration of the fiftieth year of our existence as a congregation was the publication of a Memorial Volume. It was thought such a book might contain the sermons of the pastors delivered during the jubilee, with other interesting matter, and thus become a permanent reminder of the occasion, as well as a sort of historical treasury.
A full record of the past half century would fill many volumes. The present little book makes no pretensions to the dignity of a history, but modestly claims to be only a memento of the delightful services of our Semi-Centennial. Its contents have been chosen with a view of keeping fresh these memories, making accessible many interesting and prominent facts in our history, and stimulating in all the members a deeper love for our Zion. The conviction is entertained that in fifty years to come, the book will be more valuable than now, and that our descendants will prize it as dearly as we now treasure the memories of the fathers.
With devout gratitude to Almighty God for His unfailing goodness to us as a congregation, we humbly and joyfully acknowledge Him as the source of all power, honor, success, and blessing.
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1
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
DEDICATION OF FIRST CHURCH 7
NAMES OF FIRST MALE MEMBERS 9
FORMER CHURCH OFFICERS IO
HISTORICAL WAYMARKS
12
BUILDING COMMITTEE, ETC., OF NEW CHURCH
13
ACTION ON JUBILEE SERVICES
I4
COMMITTEES IN CHARGE
14
PROGRAMME OF JUBILEE . 16
REPORT OF JUBILEE SERVICES 19
SERMON OF REV. JONATHAN OSWALD, D. D. . 24
SERMON OF REV. WM. M. BAUM, D. D. . 39
SERMON OF REV. L. A. GOTWALD, D. D. .
52
SERMON OF THE PASTOR
71
CHURCH DIRECTORY
84
SABBATH SCHOOL
85
LETTER OF REV. GEO. D. GOTWALD 87
WOMAN'S HOME AND FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY
89
DORCAS SOCIETY
90
GIRLS' MISSION BAND
91
CONCLUSION
92
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7
ST. PAUL'S MEMORIAL.
1836.
COPY OF A DOCUMENT PLACED IN THE CORNER-STONE OF THE FIRST CHURCH.
On the 29th day of May, A. D. 1836, Andrew Jackson being Presi- dent of the United States, Joseph Ritner Governor of Pennsylvania, This Corner-Stone of a temple for the worship of Almighty God after the order of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of North America, was laid.
In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, one God.
The exercises suitable for the occasion were conducted by several of the clerygymen present. The enterprise was commenced with the hope of extending the Kingdom of Christ, which is built upon the foundation of Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Corner- Stone.
BUILDING COMMITTEE.
Charles Weiser, Chairman,
George P. Zeigler,
Adam Wert,
C. A. Morris,
Luke Rouss,
Lewis Rosenmiller, Treasurer.
8
ST. PAUL'S MEMORIAL.
BRICKLAYERS.
Daniel Wilhelm,
George Odenwalt.
CARPENTERS.
William Straber.
Henry Small, of Joseph, PASTOR. JONATHAN OSWALD.
CHURCH COUNCIL.
Luke Rouss, President,
George P. Zeigler, Treasurer,
Adam Wert,
Frederick Baugher,
Abraham Forry,
John Immel,
Robert W. Long,
Benjamin Johnston, Sec. of the Council.
" The Lord is great in Zion ; and he is high above all the people. Let them praise thy great and terrible name ; for it is holy." Ps. xcix. 2, 3.
9
ST. PAUL'S MEMORIAL.
NAMES OF THE ORIGINAL MALE MEMBERS WHO SIGNED THE CONSTITUTION, FEBRUARY 26, 1836.
Luke Rouss, Charles Weiser, Benjamin Johnston, Daniel Kraber, Adam Wert, George P. Zeigler, Frederick Baugher, John Schultz, Abraham Forry,
Daniel F. Wilhelm,
Jacob Christine, John Immel, Samuel Weiser, Jr., John Rouss, Jr., Samuel Peters, George Ropp,
John Richter, Henry Saxton,
Alexander Immel, Rhinard Bott, John Metzel,
Henry Hertzog, John Kraber, Jr., Robert W. Long, George Geisleman, Wm. Wolf,
Daniel Immel, Michael Randolph, Christian G. Pfahler, George Odenwalt, John Rouss, Sr., John Rieman, Frederick Hibner, Frederick K. Sowers,
Jacob Luginsland, Christian Hildebrand, George Horne, of Philip, Peter Bott,
D. A. Stillinger,
Michael Sower, Jacob Weiser, Thomas Metzel,
Daniel P. Weiser,
Jonathan Oswald,
C. A. Morris,
A. Genther,
Jacob Upp, Jr.,
Matthew Tyler,
Lewis Rosenmiller,
Charles Epley,
Daniel Stough,
Benjamin Fry,
Oliver P. Peters,
George Stough,
William Johnston, Sr.,
George Upp, Jr.,
John W. Epley,
John Schwartz,
Conrad Schultz,
David B. Stillinger,
M. J. Gardner,
George Eichelberger,
Benjamin Flory,
Oliver P. Gardner,
Daniel Wagner, William Rouss, Jacob Beck, Jr., Isaac Schwartz.
10 1
THE FIFTIETH YEAR.
NAMES OF CHURCH OFFICERS FOR THE PAST FIFTY YEARS.
ELDERS.
When elected.
When elected.
Frederick Baugher,
February 28, 1836.
Charles Pfahler,
January 1, 1869.
Jacob Weiser,
66
Jacob Eisenhart, M. D.,
1873.
Abraham Forry,
66
Frederick A. Beck,
66
Adam Wert,
66
Samuel Owen,
66
1874.
G. P. Ziegler,
66
Frederick Baugher,
66
1875.
M. J. Gardner,
March 27, 1837.
David Emmett,
66
66
John Rieman,
January 1, 1839.
M. B. Spahr,
1876.
John M. Eppley,
66
1840.
F. A. Beck,
60
1877.
Charles A. Morris,
1841.
Daniel Kraber,
66
1878.
Martin Weigle,
66
1844.
David Emmett,
66
Daniel Craver,
1845.
M. B. Spahr,
66
1879.
Henry Hertzog,
66
1846.
Charles S. Weiser,
66
Daniel Kraber,
1847.
Daniel Kraber,
66
1880.
Daniel Immel,
66
1848.
Daniel Emmett,
66
1881.
William Small,
66
66
M. B. Spahr,
66
66
Alexander Lehr,
1850.
Chas. S. Weiser,
1882.
James Devers,
66
Frederick A. Beck,
66
Philip Frank,
1854.
Jere Carl,
66
1883.
David Emmett,
Wm. Froelich,
66
Jeremiah Cullison,
1857.
David Emmett,
66
1884.
James Devers,
1858.
J. B. Oswald,
66
66
Nathaniel Weigle,
66
Wm. Froelich,
William H. Albright,
66
Į860.
Jere Carl,
66
Henry Ebert,
I861.
Arthur King,
1885.
Isaac B. Kepner,
66
66
F. A. Beck,
66
William Smith,
66
1863.
Jere Carl,
66
1886.
George H. Maish,
1866.
Wm. Froelich,
M. B. Spahr,
1869.
66
Dr. Luke Rouse,
Daniel Kraber,
William Smith,
Christian G. Pfahler,
Daniel Craver (hatter),
66 1842.
Frederick Baugher,
Frederick Baugher,
66
"
.
Jacob Drexler,
Wm. R. Stouch,
66
66
Daniel Wagner,
66
11
ST. PAUL'S MEMORIAL.
DEACONS.
When elected.
Robert W. Long,
When elected February 28, 1836.
George W. Neff,
January 1, 1870.
John Immel,
Arthur King,
1871.
Michael Peters,
January 1, 1839.
S. J. Rouse, M. D.,
1872.
Daniel Immel,
1840.
S. B. Gensler,
66
66
William Small, ~
1843.
Henry C. Smyser,
1873.
Jacob Drexler,
1844.
Albert W. Immel,
James Devers, Philip Frank,
1846.
Arthur King,
יר
Alexander Lehr,
66
1847.
Silas H. Forry, Esq.,
1875.
Jeremiah Cullison,
1848.
David Ziegler,
Charles Pfahler,
1849.
Albert Immel,-
1876.
William Smith,
-
1851.
Arthur King,
66
1877.
David Emmett,
66
1852.
M. H. Weiser,
66
Martin Weiser,
66
1853.
David Ziegler,
1878.
J. Geo. Eisenhart,
1854.
P. S. Boose,
Nathaniel Weigle,
1855.
S. B. Gensler,
1879.
Jacob Bastress,
66
1857.
H. C. Smyser,
1880.
Wm. M. Weiser,
1860.
M. H. Weiser,
66
1881.
John Zeller,
66
1864.
Horace Smith,
1882.
J. M. Hammel,
Martin L. Weigle,
J. B. Sprenkle,-
1883.
Charles Schnable,
1865.
W. H. Miller,
"
Peter S. Boose,
66
1866.
Wm. Small, Jr.,
1884.
Charles W. Weigle,
"
1867.
J. W. Eyster,
Wm. L. Plymire,
J. B. Sprenkle,
Josiah W. Neff,
66
1868.
W. H. Miller,
Frederick A. Beck, __
G. Walter Spahr,
1885.
Chas. S. Weiser, -
66
1869.
Geo. E. Neff, Esq.,
Samuel H. Spangler,
January I, “
J. B. Sprenkle,
66
1886,
John M. Hammel,
W. H. Miller,
Emanuel Bowman, August II,
1861.
P. S. Boose,
Charles W. Neff,
1862.
Wm. Small, Jr.,
M. B. Spahr,
H. C. Smyser,
Wm. H. Albright,
1858.
Arthur King,
66
1850.
Henry C. Smyser,
William Craver,
1845.
Martin H. Weiser,
1874.
-
12
THE FIFTIETH YEAR.
SOME WĄYMĄRKS IN OUR HISTORY.
" Remember the days of old."-Deut. xxxii. 7.
First meeting for organization, Feb. 18, 1836.
First Trustees appointed and Constitution adopted and signed,
Feb. 26, 1836.
First Council elected,
Feb. 28, 1836.
Corner-stone of first church edifice laid,
May 29, 1836.
Sabbath-school organized,
Nov. 1836.
First church dedicated (cost, $70?4.48),
June II, 1837.
Charter granted (by Gov. David R. Porter),
May 23, 1839.
Parsonage purchased (N. W. cor. George and King streets), Jan. 20, 1842.
First organ secured (cost, $816.00),
Dec. 9, 1857.
Church remodeled,
June, 1858.
Rev. Jonathan Oswald, D. D., resigned,
Nov. 27, 1861.
Present parsonage purchased,
Dec. 11, 1861.
Rev. Wm. M. Baum, D. D., began his ministry,
Jan. 1, 1862.
Decision to rebuild,
June 3, 1868.
Last service in old church,
April 4, 1869.
Corner-stone of new edifice laid,
June 12, 1869. Jan. 9, 1870.
Chapel dedicated,
Bell presented by David Emmett (weight, 3056 pounds ; cost, $1400),
Dec. 25, 1870.
Church proper dedicated (cost, $62,000),
Mar. 12, 1871.
Dr. Baum's farewell sermon,
Feb. 22, 1874.
Rev. L. A. Gotwald, D. D. took charge,
April 1, 1874.
Parsonage damaged by fire,
Oct. 13, 1880.
Parsonage enlarged (work begun),
Nov.,
1880.
New organ introduced (cost, $3600.00),
Aug. 17, 1882. Oct., 1883.
Church repainted (as at present)
Dr. Gotwald's last sermon,
Nov. 28, 1885.
Rev. W. S. Freas, present pastor, took charge,
Dec. 15, 1885.
13
ST. PAUL'S MEMORIAL.
1886.
The present church edifice was erected in 1869-1871. The following names will always be connected with this new temple, as those by whose wisdom, care, devotion, and toil, the work was brought to such success- ful completion.
BUILDING COMMITTEE.
Daniel Kraber, Wm. Smith, David Emmett,
Geo. W. Ilgenfritz, M. B. Spahr. -
ARCHITECT. S. D. Button, Philadelphia.
BUILDER.
Nathaniel Weigle.
PAINTER. Geo. S. Frey.
FOUNDATION AND BRICK WORK.
Peter McGuigan,
Samuel Kochenour.
PLASTERING AND STUCCO WORK.
M. L. Weigle, J. Slonaker.
14
THE FIFTIETH YEAR.
FRESCOING AND GLAZING. J. & G. H. Gibson.
ROOFING AND SLATING. J. S. Bailey.
TINNING AND SPOUTING. Alex. Wantz.
GAS-FITTING. Small & Hildebrand.
REFLECTORS. A. Gartman.
ACTION OF THE CONGREGATION AND COUNCIL ON THE OBSERVANCE OF THE FIFTIETH YEAR.
At a congregational meeting held January Ist, 1886, it was
Resolved, That this congregation properly celebrate the close of its first half century, and refer the manner and matter of such observance to the Council.
Accordingly the latter body, at their meeting held January 14, 1886, chose May 29th as a suitable time for beginning the services of the Jubi- lee, and appointed a Committee who should have general charge and supervision of the whole matter. The day selected was appropriate, be- cause it was the fiftieth anniversary of the laying of the corner-stone of the first church. The series of services held, including the publication of this Memorial Volume, filled the programme mapped out by the Com- mittee of Arrangements.
JUBILEE COMMITTEES.
The services of the Jubilee were in charge of the following Commit- tees, to whom is largely owing the success and pleasure of the various meetings :
GENERAL COMMITTEE.
REV. WM. S. FREAS, Pastor, ARTHUR KING, FRED'K. A. BECK, J. P. B. OSWALD, J. B. SPRENKLE.
ORGAN RECITAL.
G. Walter Spahr, Geo. E. Neff, O. W. Miller, H. C. Smyser, Miss Anna M. Small, Mrs. Arthur King, Miss Ettie B. Weigle.
15
ST. PAUL'S MEMORIAL.
HISTORICAL SERVICE.
Jere Carl, W. R. Stouch, Wm. Small, Dr. C. A. Eisenhart, Mrs. Wm. Smith, Miss Lydia G. Kraber, Mrs. K. L. Eisenhart, Mrs. Matthew Tyler.
FRATERNAL MEETING WITH THE REFORMED.
Wm. Froelich, J. W. Eyster, M. B. Spahr, J. G. Eisenhart, Mrs. Albert Smyser, Mrs. Dr. J. Hay, Mrs. Dr. S. J. Rouse, Mrs. B. C. Pentz, Mrs. J. B. Oswald.
CONGREGATIONAL SOCIAL.
Wm. Small, S. B. Gensler, N. C. May, Chas. Allen, Samuel A. Schroff, Mrs. M. B. Spahr, Mrs. G. W. Ilgenfritz, Mrs. N. J. Deininger, Mrs. N. Weigle, Mrs. Jere Carl, Mrs. S. H. Forry, Mrs. D. Emmett, Mrs. L. L. Eberly.
SABBATH-SCHOOL SERVICE.
Wm. H. Miller, R. H. Buttorf, L. T. Deininger, C. E. Eisenhart, Mrs. J. Immel, Miss Emma Devers, Miss Lottie Weigle, Miss Minnie Owen, Miss Fanny Beck.
MISSIONARY MEETING.
Chas. S. Weiser, D. Emmett, Mrs. W. S. Freas, Mrs. Jacob Bastress, Miss Theo. Weiser, Miss Ettie Eisenhart, Miss Callie Fisher, Miss Maud Eberly.
MEMORIAL SERVICE.
Jere Carl, Wm. Smith, S. H. Forry, S. M. Eisenhart, E. K. Ziegler, Albert Immel, Mrs. C. A. Eisenhart, Mrs. D. K. Gotwald, Miss Sarah Kraber, Mrs. Geo. W. Sample.
FINANCES.
J. B. Oswald,
J. B. Sprenkle.
DECORATIONS.
Dr. C. A. Eisenhart, Wm. Straber, H. J. Berg, Geo. B. Kraber, W. H. Froelich, M. H. Weiser, Rex M. Stouch, A. N. Stecher, Albert Baylor.
Misses Emma J. Devers, Clara A. Pfahler, Lizzie C. Weigle, Bertha Small, Callie Fisher, Anna S. Weakley, Fannie E. Boose, Lizzie K. King, Nellie Hay.
16
THE FIFTIETH YEAR.
PROGRAMME OF SEMI-CENTENNIAL OBSERVANCES.
" The Year of Jubilee is Come."
Jubilee Exercises
-OF- St. Paul's Eu. itheratt Church,
-FROM- May 28th to Fune 6th, 1886.
* FRIDAY EVENING, + May 28th, 7:30 o'clock.
Grand Organ Recital
-AND- VOCAL CONCERT.
MR. D. D. WOOD, of Philadelphia, Penn'a, Organ Soloist.
Mr. O. W. Miller,
Mrs. L. V. Leids,
Miss Annie E. Hoffman, Mr. J. R. Strawbridge, Miss Anna M. Small,
Mrs. J. J. Frick, Mrs. John I. Benninger, Mr. Jere Horton, Mr. John A. Erwin, Miss Mary R. Small.
.
17
ST. PAUL'S MEMORIAL.
SATURDAY EVENING, May 29th, 7:30 o'clock.
Historical Services.
MUSIC :- Instrumental and Vocal.
ADDRESSES BY REV. H. L. BAUGHER, D. D., Penn'a College, Gettysburg, Pa. REV. C. A. HAY, D. D., Theological Seminary, Gettysburg, Pa. This day commemorates the laying of the corner-stone of the first church fifty years ago. Models of the old and new churches will be seen on the platform.
Sabbath Serun con st
+
9 A. M .- Devotional Meeting in Lecture Room.
IO A. M .- Sermon by REV. J. OSWALD, D. D., " The Church's Origin." Address by REV. C. A. HAY, D. D.
I:15 P. M .- Sabbath School. 6 P. M .- Sermon by REV. W. M. BAUM, D. D., Philadelphia, Pa. " The Unity and Continuity of Christian Work."
MONDAY EVENING.
May 31st, 7:30 o'clock. FRATERNAL MEETING WITH THE REFORMED CONGREGATIONS, ADDRESSES BY REV. L. A. GOTWALD, D. D., Springfield, Ohio. REV. J. O. MILLER, D. D., Trinity Reformed. REV. AARON SPANGLER, Zion's Reformed. REV. F. J. SAUERBER, Heidelberg Reformed.
uesday
vening.
June Ist, 7:30 o'clock.
CONGREGATIONAL REUNION -AND- ** SOCIAL. *
18
THE FIFTIETH YEAR.
WEDNESDAY EVENING, June 2d, 7 o'clock.
SABBATH SCHOOL JUBILEE. Addresses by REV. WM. M. BAUM, D. D., REV. L. A. GOTWALD, D. D., REV. J. CROLL BAUM, REV. W. M. BAUM, JR., and others.
Baptism of Children.
THURSDAY EVENING,
June 3d, 7:30 o'clock.
MISSIONARY SERVICE.3%.
Addresses by REV. C. S. ALBERT, Pres. Board of Home Missions, Baltimore, Md. " Fifty Years of Mission Service." REV. J. C. ZIMMERMAN, Secretary of Board of Church Extension. " Church Extension as related to Missions." MRS. JOEL SWARTZ, - Gettysburg, Penn'a. " The Mission Work of Lutheran Women."
FRIDAY EVENING, " June 4th, 7:30 o'clock.
MEMORIAL SERVICE.
Addresses by
REV. WM. M. BAUM, D. D. REV. L. A. GOTWALD, D. D. REV. W. S. FREAS.
~G Sabbath Services, June 6th
9 A. M .- Devotional Meeting in Lecture Room. IO A. M .- Sermon by Rev. L. A. GOTWALD, D. D., Springfield, Ohio. " The Measurement of a Bygone Ministry." I:15 P. M -Sabbath School. 6 P. M .- Sermon by REV. W. S. FREAS. " The Years to Come."
THE SEMI-CENTENNIAL SERVICES.
THE observance of the Semi-Centennial commenced, according to the programme published, on Friday evening, with an organ recital and con- cert. Fully eleven hundred people were crowded into the church and lis- tened to the music. Such an entertainment as this was must always be elevating, wholesome, and good. The blind organist of St. Stephen's, Philadelphia, and the various singers rendered some of the most magnifi- cent music the church walls ever echoed.
At the historical services on Saturday evening, May 29th, the church was crowded. From beginning to end the exercises were a delight. Music, addresses, decorations, electric lighting, and the spirit of the hour combined to make this a memorable evening in the feast of fat things it so worthily introduced. This day commemorated the laying of the corner-stone of the first church edifice, fifty years before. The speakers, Dr. H. L. Baugher and Dr. C. A. Hay, without any fulsome eulogy, presented in a manly and fair array the reasons for gratitude to God on the part of St. Paul's congregation, and interesting facts in the history of fifty years.
Of the Sabbath services following, it will be sufficient to say that no more precious Holy Day was ever enjoyed by the congregation. The 9 a. m. prayer-meeting was most tender and impressive. At 10 o'clock the church was thronged, the pastor and people of the mother church worshiping with us, their church being closed. The multitude listened with peculiar pleasure and profit to the interesting words of the venerable first pastor, Rev. Jonathan Oswald, D. D. Trembling under the weight of eighty years, leaning on the head of his staff, with eyes undimmed and
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20
THE FIFTIETH YEAR.
natural force unabated, his presence on the platform, itself a sermon, was a sight pleasant to look upon, and full of tender instruction for the young. The Sabbath-school service was unique and delightful, even above the always blessed meetings of the youth of the church on such occasions. The speeches by Drs. Baum and Gotwald, and Revs. J. Croll Baum and Wm. M. Baum, Jr., and Charles Baum, M. D., were cheer- ing, varied, spicy, instructive, often touching, always enjoyable, and at this meeting the Lord was evidently present to bless. The evening ser- vice was, like the morning, precious and memorable. The second pas- tor, Dr. Wm. M. Baum, had as an audience fully eight hundred people, and in the sweet twilight discoursed with old-time vigor and unction of the solemn things of the kingdom of Heaven. Holy ! Holy ! Sabbath Day, foretaste of the day of eternal rest.
On Monday evening, the fraternal meeting with the Reformed churches was held. It was arranged for in response to the following resolution of the Council adopted nearly fifty years ago, out of gratitude for the use of the Reformed church and chapel :
" Resolved, That we shall, at all times, hold ourselves under obligations to reciprocate this kindness of the Reformed church to the utmost of our power, and that it be im- pressed on the minds of all our members never to forget the generosity and disinterest- edness which has thus been shown us."
No lover of " the Church" in its wide meaning could but rejoice at what was seen and heard. In a calm, loving, and peculiarly happy ad- dress, Dr. Gotwald welcomed the Reformed pastors and members pres- ent. In impressive, fraternal, able, and appreciative words, Rev. J. O. Miller, D. D., and Rev. F. J. Sauerber responded. The rich and delight- ful music was principally by the choir of Trinity Reformed congregation. From all the speeches the fact was made clear and impressive that the Lutheran and Reformed Churches were twin sisters of the Reformation,
21
ST. PAUL'S MEMORIAL.
and ought never to be other than harmonious and friendly in their rela- tions to one another.
On Tuesday evening was the congregational social. It is but truth to say, the congregation never held another such re-union. The evening was most delightful, the people were in the greatest good humor, the speeches were the essence of wit and fun, and the music-what could be heard above the delightful hum of happy men, women, and children -was most enjoyable, the ice cream was of the coldest, the good feeling of the warmest, and the cake was a sweet and tasteful testimonial to the skill of the good housewives of St. Paul's. If any there failed to get their share of enjoyment out of the evening, it was all their own fault, because the very spirit of good-fellowship was present among the people.
Wednesday evening was Sabbath-school night, and the little ones had/ their time for attention and addresses. The speeches were by Drs. Baum and Gotwald, and Revs. J. Croll Baum and Wm. M. Baum, Jr. A letter from Rev. George D. Gotwald was read, and the following children were baptized : James Jacob Devers, George Lewis Miller, Norman Levi Grei- man, Edna Viola Eisenhart, and Raymond Freas, the latter by Rev. Dr. Baum. The evening was one to be remembered long, and looked back to with pleasure.
The missionary service was held on Thursday evening. The addresses of Rev. Chas. S. Albert, Rev. J. C. Zimmerman, and Mrs. Joel Swartz, were earnest, timely, and able. Rev. Albert began with a forcible and eloquent address on " Fifty Years of Mission Service." Rev. Zimmer- man followed with a spicy and clear presentation of the relations between Church Extension and Missions, and, to make the union permanent and loving, he proceeded publicly to marry the two branches of the Church's home work. Mrs. Swartz, in a thoughtful and valuable paper, sketched " The Mission Work of Lutheran Women," past, present, and to come.
22
THE FIFTIETH YEAR.
A song by Miss Mary Oswald, reports from the Woman's Missionary So- ciety by Miss Lydia G. Kraber, and from the Girls' Mission Band by Miss Maud Ebeily, with the reading of a letter from Rev. J. A. M. Zieg- ler, of Nevada, Iowa, closed up the evening service.
The Memorial service on Friday evening was the last week-day obser- vance of the Jubilee. Upon the platform and around the altar railing were ranged pictures of some of the fathers of the church. Gathered in the congregation were their living descendants, while seated behind the pulpit were the men who ministered to them in life, cheered and com- forted them in the hour of death, and committed their bodies to the rest and hope of the Christian's grave. Tenderly, lovingly, appreciatively, they talked of the many who had finished their course. In all proba- bility a congregation of six hundred souls have passed up during the fifty years from the church of earth to the church of the first born in the kingdom, and are now keeping an eternal Jubilee in the heavens. Many burdened hearts and sad spirits were in the church this night, and whilst they listened were lifted up to fellowship with the dead and their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The last Sabbath of the feast dawned calm and beautiful. The morn- ing prayer-meeting was a blessed preparation for the solemnities of the Lord's house. Every seat was full, and even the aisles were partially occupied by the eager people. In solemn, faithful, weighty words, the former pastor, Rev. L. A. Gotwald, D. D., discoursed to the people among whom, until recently, he had gone preaching the Gospel and breaking the Bread of Life. He occupied himself with calmly measuring his ministry of twelve years among the people, not only by what he ac- complished, but by the mistakes of himself and the people, as well as by the successes achieved by both. He paid noble and generous tribute to the faithful labors of those who preceded him, and asked lovingly for
23
ST. PAUL'S MEMORIAL.
favor and support to his successor. The Sabbath-school hour again fur- nished opportunity for making lasting impressions on the young. The Superintendent, Mr. Arthur King, began the exercises with an address so full of feeling and impressive thought, the school was moved. One by one the pastors followed, beginning with Dr. 'Baum. The pastor in charge made note of the fact that thirty-three years before he was a scholar in the infant school, of which Dr. Baum was then pastor. The evening service was the last of the Jubilee, and again a deeply interested people thronged the Lord's house. The sermon was by the pastor, on "The Years to Come." His time was occupied in setting forth the preparation of the congregation for the future, the opportunities and possibilities before the church, and in pointing out how hopes were to be realized, and possibilities made achievements. Dr. Baum read a friendly letter from Rev. S. B. Barnitz, and made a few remarks of farewell, and then, with the familiar hymn "Blest be the'tie that binds," ringing in their ears, and the benediction by Dr. Baum, the great congregation left the house of God. The feast of the fiftieth year was ended, and re . luctantly the people bade adieu to the old pastors. When the Centennial comes, doubtless all the pastors living now will be among adoring wor- shipers in the Temple not made with hands, high priests unto God for- evermore.
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