Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-05-20
Zocal ann State Nems.
The Centenary Meeting.

appropriately celebrated yesterday by inter-
esting exercises at the Winthrop street Uni
versalist church in this city. The day was
one of the most beautiful of the season, and
although the attendance of friends of the de-
nomination out of the city was not so large as
anticipated, the house was well filled during
the day, and in the evening crowded.
The services opened at half past ten o'clock
in the morning with reading selections from
psalms by Rev. Mr. Gibbs and responses by
the choir.
The eleventh chapter of Romans was read
as the scripture selection.
Prayer was offered by Rev. W. r. French
of Brunswick.
Hymn cloth sung;
"O'er the dark wave of .lileeo
The centenary sermon was then preached
by Rev. w. L. Gibbs of Portland, from lst
Chronicles, Goth chapter, portion of the fifth
verse "And who then is willing to consccrate
his service this day to the Lord?" David gave
expression to a desire to build temple, but
was not permitted to do so. He however gave
the plans for the building and patterns for its
ornamentation. He spoke to Israel, told them
what he had done, and asked who was willing
to carry forward the work. The response was
ready-the people brought silver and gold and
precious stones and gave them for the build
ing of the house of the Lord. The temple
was built and adorned and as the people in
after years came up to its sacred affairs with
their sacrifices, and recalled the willing gifts
of the builders, they were moved to a warm
devotion. The temple itself stood as thank
offering. 1t was the most wonderful building
of the times. For generations its presence
stimulated the devotion of the Jews. 1t was
praise crystalized into form. This lesson
should inspire us with like Willingness to
sacrifice for our cause, that the world may see
we are not ashamed of our work. The de-
nomination asks the question. "Who is will
ingf" After one hundred years we are asked
to crystalize our ideas into solid form. We
have already destroyed the power of false re-
lgion and must now build up the truth. We
are possessed of means enough to accomplish
something for our cause that generations yet
hundred years of UNCONVENTIONAL existence
enttle our denomination 10 an extension or
decent burial. There was time when the
death of our cause would have been welcomed
by many and mourned by but few. But
what rapid progress has attended these hum
dred years The time has come when the de-
cease of our faith would fill the world with
sincere mourners and give comfort to none.
The thought of our responsibility fills this
centenary year with momentous interest. We
must build on the good foundations that have
been laid, and show to the world that we are
possessed of the life-gving spirit Of Jesus.
These hundred years have witnessed great
progress in securing the foundations. Our
continued existence and prosperity will de-
pend upon the kind of structure we build upon
these foundations.
That the great doctrines of the denomina-
ton should so wonderfully advance seems al
most beyond belief But this makes it the
more urgent that we put into operation all the
means to perpetuate it and forward its great
work. No memories of the past are sustain
ing enough to keep the cause alive, unless
they shall stand as incentives to future work.
He would not revert to the great changes
that have taken place. From a poor and de-
spised sect they had come to power and in
huence they are rich in colleges, schools
and money, but richer far in that Gospel that
brings deliverance to those who are in bonds,
light to those who sit in darkness, joy to the
disconsolate and strength and comfort to the
weak and despairing We should now press
forward to make The future worthy of the in
heritance that the past is so ready to bestow.
Why look to the benevolent gifts of Goddard
and Packard and Deane, unless we have the
same desire TO give as they gaver
How the blessed doctrines of our denomi-
nation-God our father, man our brother,
heaven our home-urge TO work. Build up
the waste places and make them beautiful.
There is nothing visionary or unreasonable in
this. 1t looks to the strengthening of the
present and the future.
The recommendations Of the centenary COM
mttee are emnently wise. Let the churches
getout of debt There are no announcements
in debts. They tie the hands that should be
free, and interpose barriers and Instructions
TO our work. How many societies there are
who are niggardly on account of debt. Make
this year one that shall wipe out the debt that
now hampers and hinders the progress of the
church. There is indeed 4 commanding
power in wealth, and to put our denomination
in good position. let us free ourselves from
the hindering burden of debt.
Ignorance is also hindrance. so we are
sought to make rich offerings for education.
Our outlook upon life takes wide range here.
Every dollar given to education adds to our
wealth; every benefactor receives rich re-
turn Our desire as denomination should
|be to stand peer among the wisest OF Il
world 1t cannot be done unless the means
|Are expanded.
Again, We are sought to consecrate our gifts
Ito church extension and missionary work.