USA > Pennsylvania > York County > Memorial of the Fiftieth Year, 1836-1886, St Paul's English Evangelical Lutheran Church > Part 6
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The altar of prayer will be erected in many more Christian homes, and the parents will realize more gratefully that they are the priest and priest- ess appointed by heaven to minister before it. The Christian home we hope will have grown more like heaven in its holy joy and peace, and be a better preparation for it ; and let us believe the little ones, more faith- fully than to-day, will be trained up in the way that they should go.
The work being done by this congregation at home and abroad will be greatly enlarged, and be yet more blessed and glorious. Because of your generous and intelligent liberality the name of this church is everywhere honored. More than one struggling mission has felt the warm brotherly grasp of your helping hand. And abroad the sad-hearted heathen have many times been made to sing praises to God for your labors of love.
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THE FIFTIETH YEAR.
But in fifty years to come the work will have grown grander, wider, and far greater things will be dared and accomplished. Now we support one Home Mission, then we may support many; now individuals have under their care three pupils in the school at Guntur, India, then will we carry the support of a score of native preachers there ; now we give hundreds, then we shall give thousands-for I count on the faithful fulfillment of . God's unfailing promise, " Give and it shall be given unto you." Now many are liberal from principle, which is good; then more shall be liberal from the joy they have in returning to the Lord His own, which is better.
But in the lives of Christian people, the coming years present the grandest opportunities and possibilities for improvement. I acknowl- edge with thankful heart and great joy, that we have among us very many of the dear Lord's own loyal friends. But the people who shall fill our places and uphold the church we love, we dare hope, will be truer, more Christ-like, than ourselves. It must be so, for the voices which shall con- tinue to ring from this pulpit will be unwaveringly loyal to the one only theme which can change vile sinners into saints-Christ Jesus and Him crucified.
A sketch of the future would be very incomplete without a word about the Sabbath-school. Here is the Church's hope for the years to come. Oh the young ! the young ! How they come ever eager, breathless, with bounding steps and high hopes, pressing onward and up through the years. Whose heart does not leap at thought of the throng which shall gather within the peaceful, blessed shelter of the Sabbath-school in the years to come? Our Sabbath-school to-day is the most vigorous and im- portant department of the church. What it is now, it is but simple justice to say is largely owing to its faithful, efficient and aggressive superintendent, with his corps of able assistants. The man that holds the helm is the one who guides the good ship into peaceful waters and a
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ST. PAUL'S MEMORIAL.
prosperous course, and St. Paul's Sabbath-school is unusually favored in the rich and ready administrative talent she enjoys. Under such wise and careful management, our course through the years can be but onward and upward. I feel every Sabbath-day that God's angels meet with us here and hallow the sacred hours. For the future we can but wish that the same capable, self-forgetful head, enriched with wide experience and ma- ture wisdom, and crowned with the blessings and gratitude of old and young, may be spared yet many years to guide its progress higher and higher towards the ideal we have in mind. More than ever our Sabbath- school will become a mighty power, a spring of spiritual health, and its superintendent with his noble aids will lead the unsteady feet of youth into the path of life, and themselves be led by a divine hand to where the waters gently flow and the fields are ever green. 1
Such is a brief but very imperfect forecast of the years to come. Would God we could beyond peradventure make it true! Then may we well ask regarding our beloved Zion, "Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?"
This brings us to the most important question we can now ask :
III. How these possibilities may become realities.
This for us is the Sphinx's riddle. Dreams, idle dreams, may be all our plans and hopes and fond imaginings. How to transmute them into the solid gold of actuality is the great problem. But there is a precious key which solves it. There is one talismanic word which can suddenly arrest the swift shadows of our pious forecast and fix them into accom- plished realities. That one word is Christ, to whom all glory be. This only name under Heaven removes our doubts, solves our riddles, smooths away difficulties, and fills us with a faith that hopes and dares all things. The name of Christ is the blazing torch with which we may light up all
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THE FIFTIETH YEAR.
the pathway before the church, and make out the course leading to the highest success and glory. This holy name makes plain to us how the possibilities we have sketched may become actual history.
First of all, Christ must be preached, loyally, fearlessly, and with love. This is the one theme which can set the soul on fire. I think we are learning to know Christ better. In the years to come the eyes of men will be directed even more constantly than now to the blazing center of spiritual light and warmth, Christ Jesus. Faith in him will produce for the individual and the church its natural fruit, for " all things are pos- sible to him that believeth." There is a power in a preached Christ mysterious and divine. The church to come cannot fail of attaining greater glory if only she prove loyal to the one dear name, than which there is none other whereby we must be saved.
To attain full success Christ must be honored as well as preached. He cannot tolerate that any of the honor due Him should be transferred to ordinances or ceremonies, or even to the Church as a whole. He is jealous of His rights, and the assurance is " them that honor me I will honor." Let the name held in most esteem be this one name. Let the cross and its doctrine be held plainly forth so that all can see and hear. On the portals of the sanctuary, on the arches of nave and transept, on the pulpit, on the altar, on all the vessels of the house, let there appear the desire to honor Christ, whose glory fills earth and heaven. Then even as the apple of His eye a jealous God shall keep the church, and her name shall be inscribed on the palm of His hand. Before her he will set an open door, which no man can shut.
To make the years to come blessed and glorious, Christ must be lived. The difference between a living and a dying church is here. There is absolutely no limit to the possibilities before the church whose members all live Christ. Even as of old, the world goes after Him. Now as ever
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ST. PAUL'S MEMORIAL.
there is a grace and sweetness in the Master's spirit, whose power sinners are prompt to confess and honor. More than stately edifice, or deep- toned organ, or solemn ritual, or the tongue of fire, Christ in His people will draw men, and draw them, not with passing interest, but with a love that shall never weaken. As the members of St. Paul's exhibit the Christly spirit will they fulfill every high hope and make reality what may seem but wild dreams.
Christ, too, must be carried to the lost. The church that is most suc- cessful in bringing "the Man of sorrows" into contact with the woe and despair of sin will be the church of the future. The people who, by no sacrifice of self-respect or dignity, carry Christ into the homes of the poor, the haunts of vice, and to the hopeless, homeless, heavenless multi- tudes, will secure the abiding presence of the Covenant God whose mercies fail not.
In this way the future I have sketched for this congregation may be more than realized. The years to come may witness a glory and success of which we do not now even dream. Before the pathway of this congre- gation there are no barring gates. The field is wide and white, the path- way is plain. Our success will be limited only by our loyalty to Jesus Christ.
" His story over earth shall yet be told,
A story for the universe to hear ;
A wondrous story, which shall ne'er grow old,
But fresher yet shall grow, and yet more dear, When my brief tale is told of sin, and want, and fear.
" His throne, before whose majesty so few
On earth now bow, shall be of thrones the throne, Its splendor ever bright and ever new ;
While on His head there rests the eternal crown,
When from each brow of earth the glittering gold has gone."
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THE FIFTIETH YEAR.
I make no mention of trials, temptations, or conflicts in the coming years. " If God be for us, who can be against us?" These are but the rough winds that make the church root deeper in Christ, or the whole- some pruning which causes her to bring forth fairer fruit.
Beyond the power of words to express is the privilege of living to-day. Upon us shines the brightest light of all the ages. Everywhere we be- hold the wonders of science, art, discovery and achievement. The years which measure this congregation's life have witnessed such amazing progress in every department of human activity that the mere suggestion of present facts fifty years ago would have seemed simple madness. What of the next half century ? No man can even dream. How favored will be their lot who are permitted to see this century close, or gather as our children come to keep the feast, when the church's life shall reach a hun- dred years ! Few here to-night will see that day. Of the male members who organized this congregation, not one is among us to participate in and heighten our present joy, and, save their leader, the venerable pastor, who, like a cedar of Lebanon on the mountains of Israel still green in old age, lingers to bless by his counsel and ornament by his quiet godly life, all are gone. Besides him, among the sisters, three only, now mothers in Israel still linger, a cherished and tender link between to-day and yester- day. Yet the fathers are here. They are here by their works " which do follow them," by the fruits of their labors which shall abide, repre- sented by the descendants trained and raised up to take hold of the work where they laid it down. With what intense interest do they look now upon this scene from the courts on high ! Could they return for a brief hour to occupy their accustomed places, or stand with us in this second temple of greater glory than the first, what rousing calls they would utter, how they would cry to us, " Oh be faithful ; be up and doing ; press on with greater zeal and diligence ; never rest or tarry ; whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might."
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ST. PAUL'S MEMORIAL.
Forward, then, is the cry to-night. It comes from God, it is the single exhortation of faith and hope, the dead utter it through their works of love, and all the living take up and emphasize the call.
" Life is coming, Death is going, Quickly past us time is flowing ; Day is dawning, Night is flying, Soon shall end this grief and sighing ! Rest is nearing, Toil is ending, Homeward now our path is bending; Right is hasting, time is leaving,
Earth ere long shall cease its grieving. Love is coming, Hate is going,
Seeds of unity are sowing, Fear is passing, Hope is brightening ;
Burdened brows and hearts are lightening ;
Cells are bursting, Chains are breaking, Weary spirits cease their waking.
Tears are drying, Songs are breaking, Earth's glad echoes are awaking.
Graves are opening, Dead are meeting,
Heaven and earth each other greeting. Hill and vale put on their gladness,
Not a trace remains of sadness.
" Amen, Amen !"
CHURCH DIRECTORY.
PASTOR. REV. WM. S. FREAS, 105 S. Beaver St., York, Pa.
COUNCIL.
Elders.
FREDERICK A. BECK,
J. P. B. OSWALD,
DAVID EMMETT,
WM. FRØLICH,
JERE CARL,
ARTHUR KING.
Deacons. J. B. SPRENKLE,
WM. SMALL,
W. H. MILLER, a
J. W. EYSTER,
G. WALTER SPAHR, GEO. E. NEFF.
President. FREDERICK A. BECK.
Treasurer.
DAVID EMMETT.
Secretary. GEORGE E. NEFF, ESQ. "
CHOIR. MR. O. W. MILLER, Leader and Basso.
MRS. LAURA V. LEIDS, Soprano.
MISS ANNIE E. HOFFMAN, Alto.
MR. J. R. STRAWBRIDGE, Tenor. MISS ANNA M. SMALL, Organist.
SEXTON.
SYLVESTER W. BAHN. (84)
THE SABBATH SCHOOL.
The Sabbath School was organized in November, 1836, by the election of Daniel Kraber Superintendent, Charles A. Morris Assistant Superin- tendent, Mrs. C. A. Morris and Mrs. Luke Rouse Superintendents of the Infant School, and Rev. Solomon Oswald Secretary.
It is worthy of note that no changes have ever been made in these offices, except to fill vacancies occasioned by failing health or death. Mr. Daniel Kraber remained Superintendent up until the time of his death, January 18, 1882, covering a period of more than forty-five years. The Sabbath School has had but two Superintendents during the half century, the present efficient head being Assistant for eight years, becoming Superintendent in 1882. The efficiency of the school is largely due to the earnest and wise direction of this noble corps of offi- cers. There are at present on our rolls the names of four hundred and fifty scholars and teachers.
PASTOR.
REV. WM. S. FREAS.
SUPERINTENDENT.
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT.
ARTHUR KING. -
J. P. B. OSWALD. -
LIBRARIAN.
L. T. DEININGER.
ASSISTANT LIBRARIANS.
WM. SMALL,
REX STOUCH, WM. FRELICH.
SECRETARY. DR. CHAS. A. EISENHART. (85)
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THE FIFTIETH YEAR.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY.
WV. S. ZIEGLER.
TREASURER. J. B. SPRENKLE.
MUSICAL DIRECTOR. O. W. MILLER.
INFANT DEPARTMENT.
Superintendents. MISS THEODOSIA WEISER,
MISS CALLIE FISHER.
Librarians. MAJOR EMMETT, - ARTHUR NEFF.
NAMES OF TEACHERS.
MISS FANNIE E. BECK,
MISS MARY E. SPAHR,
MISS MINNIE OWEN,
MRS. JORDAN IMMEL,
MISS BERTHA K. SPAHR,
MRS. W. STRABER,
MRS. L. L. EBERLY,
MRS. J. BASTRESS,
MRS. H. C. SMYSER,
MISS LYDIA G. KRABER, -
MISS LIZZIE WEIGLE,
MRS. ARTHUR KING,
MISS ETTIE B. WEIGLE,
MISS CLARA A. PFAHLER, -
W. R. STOUCH,
CHAS. H. MARTIN,
M. ENGLE,
R. H. BUTTORF,
J. G. EISENHART, N. WEIGLE,
M. B. SPAHR,
WM. H. MILLER, FREDERICK A. BECK.
J. B. OSWALD, S. B. GENSLER,
MISS SARAH A. KRABER,
MRS. J. B. OSWALD, ~
MRS. M. H. WEISER,
MRS. G. W. SPAHR,
MISS MARGIE H. OSWALD,
MISS EMMA J. DEVERS,
MISS ETTIE EISENHART,
MISS JANE JORDAN,
MRS. J. G. EISENHART,
MISS LOTTIE R. WEIGLE,
CLARENCE E. EISENHART, - L. L. EBERLY, J. W. EYSTER, JERE CARL, A. KING,
LETTER OF REV. GEO. D. GOTWALD.
SALINA, KANS., May 31st, 1886.
To the Members and Friends of ST. PAUL'S SABBATH SCHOOL, York, Pa., assembled in Semi-Centennial Anniversary-Greeting and Congratulation :
These words carry to you the message of two whose joy for many years it was to be amongst you, and whose only regret at this time is a necessary absence. Yet distance does not separate those who have so great a common interest ; and from our western home we send the assurance that we are one with you in the spirit of the Jubilee now celebrating.
An occasion such as the present is one of two-fold pleasure. It is a time when we turn back the pages of the past in review of the record of God's grace and favor-and when we also hopefully and trustingly peer into the blank pages of the future and won- der what their record will be. It is the boundary line between two fields, in one of which fond memory lingers to enjoy the beauty of the brightest flowers-and the dark ones, too-while just across the line, hope and fancy sport together.
Let me, then, linger on this side of that line; for as I write, memory brings up much that might be dwelt upon. And although these words may seem to be too personal, there is this excuse, that all reminiscence is thus personal. It is in response to a re- quest for "five minutes of reminiscences" that I write. Yet what are five minutes, to review the precious memory of a dozen years ! !
. It was more than twelve years ago that I entered for the first time the school- room, since then so familiar, when he who is now your much-loved Superintendent re- ceived me as a scholar. Whatever of the experience in that class has been forgotten, there is one thing I yet recall, and if it is not wrong to mar the joy of Jubilee by referring to departed loved ones, let me mention it. Younger than the other scholars of the class, and withal a stranger, I felt abashed and timid on entering, as was natural to feel; but it was only for a moment, for the earnest hand-shake, sincere and kind attention and un- feigned friendship from the very first, of one among them removed all fear and were the
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THE FIFTIETH YEAR.
beginning of that tie which, unbroken even by death, still binds us together. Who the other scholars in that class were, I cannot tell. They are forgotten; but Will Davis, never !! It was but one of the many kind and generous act she did which live and always will live after him in the memory of so many of us. In the roll of the noblest workers the school has ever had, forget not to inscribe his name, for the good he did.
The years that have passed since that long-ago time are fraught with pleasant recol- lections, all of which as they come up before me, make the school more dear to me than ever. It is the place where my father labored so many years; and at whose church altar I, with my four brothers, knelt in confirmation.
It is the place where pious and earnest teachers taught me; and under whose influ- ence, and the means of heavenly grace, whatever Christian character is mine was moulded.
It is the place where-to me the most sacred service of my life-I was ordained and set apart to the work which now engages me; and it is the place which gave to me a faithful, Christian wife, to help me in that work !
Although I cannot send to you the sounds of Jubilee which I would fain utter for these blessings wrought through you, I can and do look up to God in thankfulness and praise for St. Paul's Sabbath School's Semi-Century of usefulness and progress. Let me unite with the many others in earnest wishes for your perennial increase in the same prosperity as has characterized, the past. With a future measured not by years, but by good deeds done, you will have a constant, never-ending Jubilee, amidst the benedic- tions of those you bless.
With a generous and hearty greeting on this golden anniversary, and renewed con- gratulations, I am truly and thankfully yours,
GEO. D. GOTWALD.
THE WOMAN'S HOME AND FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
This Society was organized April 26th, 1880, by Mrs. J. H. W. Stucken- berg, now of Berlin, Germany, but then President of the General Synod Society. Its first officers were : President, Mrs. C. S. Weiser ; Vice Pre- sident, Mrs. J. George Eisenhart ; Recording Secretary, Miss Mary J. Test ; Corresponding Secretary, Miss Theodosia Weiser ; Treasurer, Mrs. Dr. Wm. Smith. The ladies engaged in this work are most zealous and enterprising, and as the result of their industry and liberality over $1568.00 have been raised for the various objects which have secured their interest. In the summer of 1885 they became the hostesses of the General Society, and in company with their Lutheran sisters of York, en- tertained guests from all parts of the United States. The present mem- bers number about one hundred and thirty, and the officers are: Presi- dent, Mrs. Jacob Bastress ; Ist Vice President, Mrs. J. George Eisenhart ; 2d Vice President, Miss Ettie Eisenhart ; Recording Secretary, Miss Lydia G. Kraber ; Corresponding Secretary, Miss Lottie R. Weigle ; Treasurer, Mrs. Wm. Smith.
The ladies meet the last Monday evening of each month and pass the time in devotion, listening to the readers appointed or the essays pre- pared, hearing reports from the great field, or discussing ways and means of most successfully prosecuting their work. Each member pays twenty- five cents upon joining the Society, and from five cents upwards every month thereafter, according to individual willingness and ability.
The success of the Society in our congregation is largely due to the intelligent enterprise, unflagging interest and faithful work of its first President, Mrs. Chas. S. Weiser.
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THE DORCAS SOCIETY.
This Society was organized by Mr. Charles A. Morris and Mrs. Charles S. Weiser, Nov. 4, 1872, during the ministry of Rev. Wm. M. Baum. Mrs. Baum was chosen President, but Mrs. Weiser served as President, Secretary, and Treasurer for quite a number of years, being compelled to resign on account of ill health. Mrs. Solomon Oswald was also a very active member until her death. The present officers are: President, Mrs. William Smith; Vice President, Mrs. C. J. Deininger; Treasurer, Miss Jane Jordan; Corresponding Secretary, Miss Ettie Weigle.
The Society was organized not only to help poor missionaries of the West and the poor people of our own congregation, but also to create a feel- ing of more sociability among our own members. The money required to furnish muslin, cloth, etc., for garments, was contributed by each member giving a certain sum at the first meeting; then a collection was taken at each meeting, every member giving her mite. We were some- times compelled to ask for a collection from the church, which generally amounted to from $30.00 to $40.00; and with what we realized from our collections would be enough to accomplish the work of the season. After the needs of the missionaries recommended to us were supplied, the poor people of the church were looked after, their wants supplied, clothing furnished them, or material for it provided.
The amount of money raised averages $125.00 per year. Meetings are held every Tuesday afternoon during the winter, beginning on the first Tuesday in November. The meetings are opened by the President read- ing a Scripture lesson, then one or two hymns are sung, after which the work of the evening is undertaken. The members of this Society have always found that these meetings were blessed and profitable.
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THE MISSION BAND OF "EARNEST WORKERS."
This Band was organized January 4, 1884, by Mrs. L. A. Gotwald and Mrs. Chas. S. Weiser.
Its object, as stated in Article II. of the Constitution, is "to learn about Missions, and to pray, give, and work for them." The Band was organized with ten members. The present number of members is thirty- three.
The officers are as follows :
President-Belle King.
Vice-President-Anna Oswald.
Recording Secretary-Maude Eberly.
Corresponding Secretary-Saidie Boose. -
Treasurer-Jennie Owen.
The whole amount of money raised since our organization is $206.46. This has been appropriated to various causes-the principal ones being the support of Mrs. Lucy, the Zenana interpreter, in India ; Home Missions in general, and the support of an evangelical minister in India, to which the Band is at present contributing.
The meetings are held on alternate Saturday afternoons, at 2 o'clock. On one afternoon of meeting, the time is devoted to sewing. On the alternate one, the time is devoted to the study of Missions.
The Band is now under the direction of Miss Callie Fisher and Mrs. Arthur King, and is in a prosperous condition. Much good has been done by this Mission Band, the greater part of the good done being to the members themselves.
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CONCLUSION.
If we were writing congregational history in full, this book would be but the first volume of a series. Since we are not, we are compelled to omit many things worthy of a place here. A brief summary or estimate of what has been at- tempted and achieved, of what we were and have now be- come, will therefore conclude this brief exhibit. The wisest of men long ago asserted, "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof." Though, like all rules, this also admits of qualification and exception, yet its general truth is illustrated in a variety of ways. The end of a worthy under- taking, even though it fail, may be better than its beginning, 9 for what men call failure God often regards as the highest success. The end of a good book is in many ways better than its beginning. The same is certainly true of an up- right life. And especially are these words of Solomon ap- plicable to the close of a half century of Christian work and congregational life. No one who candidly considers these fifty years now completed can fail to be impressed with the
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ST. PAUL'S MEMORIAL.
truth that their end for St. Paul's congregation is much better in present strength, efficiency, and worth, than their beginning. We entered the fifty years with less than a hun- dred members; now we number not far from five hundred. Then the youthful congregation was without an abiding place or church home; now we have as commodious and imposing a church property as any congregation need de- sire. Then we were held in small esteem and the enemy mocked; now we are respected by all, and exert an honor- able influence among the brethren. The first year of con- gregational history our benevolence is scarce worthy of mention, not more than ten dollars in all; the fiftieth year's liberality sums up to the imposing amount of over three thousand dollars.
But who can estimate fully all the work done and the re- sults attained during this half century of work for Christ- the prayers offered, the tears shed, the self-denials, the praises, the zeal, the love, the conflicts, the victories of Christ's people. Some things we are able to count. In the half century gone there were twenty-five hundred holy Sabbath days, nearly seven years of Sabbaths. At least eight thousand sermons and addresses were delivered by
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THE FIFTIETH YEAR.
the pastors, and each one of these has its own history. The people have gathered for public worship, praise and prayer, more than ten thousand times. Thousands of im- mortal souls have heard the preaching of the Word of God; and, during the fifty years, the walls of the Lord's house have hardly ever ceased to echo the voice of the church's unending song. But the best results of Christian work elude our power to enumerate or describe. Upon how many has come down with power the breath of the Spirit of the Living God? How many good resolves have been made under the stimulus of the Word? How num- berless are the good deeds done by God's people whose origin is found in the sanctuary? How often the souls of the people, thrilled by the power of the truth, have stretched their wings to soar aloft for communion with Heaven. 9 God alone knows all these things, and in His books their record is kept.
But now we must turn from the past. As pleasant as are its memories, they will abide but memories-itself is forever gone. We leave it like one who finishes an ab- sorbing book, closing it with a sigh, and laying it away with regret. 1 Our one concern ought to be to prove worthy of
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ST. PAUL'S MEMORIAL.
the period closed and to build more nobly on it. Yet the # future to which we look so confidently is both shadowy and unreal; and it is wise to heed the solemn caution, "Boast not thyself of to-morrow." Our great work must be to wrest from coming days, for the church of our love, a grander and fuller success, and measure nearer up to the high ideal. To reach this goal each member of St. Paul's must do his very best. Nothing less will suffice. The present after all is of the highest value. It is the heir of the past and creator of the future. It neither mocks, nor dreams, nor cheats, nor misleads. It is always frank and honest, and just what it seems. Happy are those who fall in love with its homely face and in it do their best.
" Trust no Future, howe'er pleasant ! Let the dead Past bury its dead ! Act,-act in the living Present ! Heart within, and God o'erhead."
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الرس
BX 8076 y6 $16
29794
York, Pa. St. Paul's English Evang. Lutheran Church
TITLE
BX
29794
8076
516
York, Pa St. Paul's English Evang. Lutheran 1 Church
Memorial of the 50th year
.
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