The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1862-04-11
A Pleasant Surprise.

MIR. EDiToR:-
1t is known to many of your readers that
the Presbyterian church of this place has recent
ly completed a beautiful and commodious par
sonagc located in one OF the pleasantcst parts
OF the village, and commanding view of see
merry which, Tor picturesque beauty, is almost
unsurpassed
On the last Thursday of March, the pastor
OF the church, having just removed to the new
parsonage, his people came early in the morning
to extend their congratulations and bring their
gifts to their minister and his family Soon af-
ter sunrise a wagon drove to the door bringing
load OF wood, sent by Ga lady" whose name
cut tie wood and put it away. Then sew; several
ladies took possession of the dining-room. and
spread three large tables, which were soon Ia
dened with great variety of provisions, such
as hams, dried beet, corned beet veal, batter,
eggs, fish, coffee, tea sugar, canned fruit, pick
les, vegetables and the like together with cloth
ing tor the children, stair-carpet, and many mis-
cellaneous articles OF much value. Some Of the
ladies', knowing the tastes Of a certain member
OF the family, sent a large supply Of ginger nuts
several ladies furnished tea for their minister, a
gentleman supplied vessel to make it in, and
teemed brother was received gold pen, with
which this communication is written. Several
children and young persons OF the congregation
also brought contributions which were received
with great pleasure. One pleasant feature of
the surprise was the exhibition of kind feeling
Oh the part of members Of other churches. Ono
Methodist brother sent articles OF furniture for
the table, another a handsome east iron mould
Il lady sent box of sundrics; orc brought n
''new broom TO keep the new house clean" an
other two cans OF preserved fruit, and still an
other a valuable donation for the larder From
members OF the Lutheran church, money was
received for the purse, also q ham, and other
provisions. May all these dear brethren be re-
warde,l by cur common Lord, and iaay their
own ministers, who serve them so faithfully and
acceptably in the gospel, ''ncver want any good
thing.
The selection Of articles sent was remarkably
Iudlcious, Ii the people had been told just what
their minister needed most they could not have
met his wants more exactly.
Then followed the presentation of a purse,
containing forty-two dollars, TO the minister's
wife, by John Mower, Esq, in behalf Of the
ladies. The speaker remarked at the close of
his address, that the congregation had given a.
| bundant evidence Of their kind regard for their
pastor, and the ladies' now wished to give SUBJ
stantial expression of their affection for their
pastors cije. The grateful recipient regretted
that she could not make some suitable reply
| through her husband, who, entirely ignorant oi
all that was transpiring in the mansc, was busi-
| ly engaged elsewhere.
These kind friends having deposited their gifts
and spent II few hours very pleasantly together,
all delighted with the perfect success of the SUR
prise, returned with gladness to their homes,
leaving the minister and his family to ca1l dowl,
heavenly blessings on the heads of those who
had minstercd so abundantly to their temporal
wants. The contributions in money, provisions
and miscellaneous articles Amounted 10 one hun.
ded aRd thirty doR,7s. This pleasant surprise
was projected in view of the additional expense
which would be incurred in furnishing the nlanse
Its success was gratifying to all concerned.
1t is pleasant reflection to the writer tha,
the Master whom he imperfectly serves will re
ward these dear friends for their kindness to hin
and his family. For these temporal gifts the,
shall receive spiritual blessings blessings flow
ing onward in an ever deepening and widening
channel forever. And when with these beloyc,
OF the Lord we shall appear at the cato Of i'm
mortal life, the blessed Lord will give them
glad welcome, saying: "Inasmuch as ye hav,
done it unto one of the least Of these my breth
rem, ye have done 1t pnto me-" e..
ROBERT +. SAMPLE.
Rdts~d April /, 1862.