The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1871-04-11
Portland Fra,erpity.

This new candidate for popular favor and in
terest-which knows DO sect only endeavoring
to interest and educate those who would other
wise waste their time and abilities, and per
chance, through the allurements Of q large city,
be led away from the paths of rectitude- was
formally opened to the public last evening"
The society has secured some excellent rooms
at 1853 IL Congress street, and an excellent hall
whose attractions have been already described
in these columns.
In the evening the rooms were thrown open
to the public, with appropriate dedicatory ex-
ercises. Hon. Israel Washburn, Jr, called the
sus sa and oSeS s a
ton, and trusted that the public would hear
tily cooperate in the good work of the society.
After brief, but fervent prayer by Rev. w.
E. Gibbs, an original ode. written specially for
the occasion by Mrs. E. M. Barstow, was
beautifully rendered by the choir OF the First
Parish church.
Rev. G. w. Buck was then introduced to
the audience. He commenced by saying that
he liked the allusion of the chairman, relating
to the ship. He thought that the society was
launched but had not yet reached a prosperous
haven. Much work remained to be done, and
he urged upon all the importance of assisting
and encouraging the good work He thought
that the city presented wide field for Chris.
4
would prove great and blessed instrument to
that end. ~
The choir then sang q beautiful sacred song,
in a very affecti0nate manner, after which the
Rev. B. 81. Bailey was introduced. He hoped
that the young men who came to the city from
country homes, beyond the sacred influence OF
their mothers prayers, would meet with a
hearty and generous welcome from this new
society. He alluded in a humorous manner to
Orthodoxy, and trusted that each person
tNrsvn hi nf
to the works of the society.
Rev. w. E. Gibbs then delivered one OF his
usual happy addresses, calling attention to the
various kinds of work presented by the associa.
ton, and trusted that each and every depart
ment would receive its share of attention.
After the relation of very humorous anec-
dote by the chairman, Hon. George f. Talbot
addressed the audience. He alluded to his pre-
vious experience Of Orthodoxy in a humorous
manner, and compared it to his subsequent ex-
perience in the ranks of Liberal Christianity.
He thought that one of the chief advantages
of the new organization was the opportunities
for social intercourse which it offered. He
thought the society of modern life was far too
full and complete enjoyment of social inter-
course. This association offered great advan-
tages to the labOring man, to the merchant and
to the professional man for intellectual culture
and social enjoyment which they had not the
leisure to obtain in any other way. q -.
After further music by the choir His Honor
Mayor Kingsbury, was introduced. He regret
ted that the Rev. Mr.. Hayden was not present
for from all that he had heard during the evon.
| ing he thought that the entire audience were
likely very soon to become good Swedenbor-
gians, as that denomination for more than 9
hundred years had had the special duty oil
looking out for the social amusements of the
church. He knew of no city ordinance which
would in any way interfere with the doings of
the organization. unless it was the one in rela.
ton to disturbance by making too much noise
and he trusted that there would be no occasion
to apply that regulation. He paid an eloquent
and glowing tribute to the Easter season, and
| alluded to the beautiful flowers which adorned
| the piano, and thought that it was peculiarly
| appropriate to dedicate the rooms at this glori
GUS season of the year. and closed with an ear
nest hope that the association would 60 forward
| in the path to success and prosperity. t--
Hon. s. e. Spring then made a very humor
| GUS speech in which he alluded to the danger
and difficulties in the way, but hoped that al
| would prove favorable to an suspicious carry.
| ing forward of the plans of the association
He closed by remarking that he hoped that thu
chairman would call upon all present to sab
| scribe and become members of the society -
G. E. Jose, Esq, also made brief address t
| the same purpose.
A very large audience was present and thu
exercises were extremely interesting. Tn
| music by the First Parish choir, was as usual
| of the highest order of excellence, while Kotz
| SEMINAR presided at the piano, with his usua
grace and ability. The exercises were close
| with benediction by the Rev. B. H. Bailey
| We understand that the society now number
| nearly five hundred persons.