Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-01-25

EVENING EXERCISES.
After the feast of dedication in the veStry, at
which about four hundred people sat down at
the long tables, the evening exercises in the
church began at half-past seven o'clock. After
music, and prayer by Rev c. L. McCurdy,
opening remarks were made by the pastor, Rev,
A. McKeown, who introduced as the first
speaker Of the evening Rev. Gilbert Haven, D. D.,
of Boston, editor OF lions Herald. DR.. Haven
began by allusion to the erection of this beauti-
full cdifce as another evidence of the rapid
growth of Christianity, and especially of this
denomination, in the United States. Among
the statistics illustrative of the growth Of
Methodism within the last fifty years, he said
that in the present limits of the New England
conference there were in but fifteen churches,
twcnty-lOur ministers, and 1885 church
members, whereas they had now within the
same limits 1872 churches, 237sministers, and p,
47G church members. He reioiced at the in-
crease of new church cdifces, because it was n
sign of the advance of the means for the regen-
Grafton of souls, and an indication of the down
fall Of skepticism and infidelity He concluded
by remarks complimentary to the new ediiCe
and its faithful pastor.
Rev Mr.. McKcown, in introducing the next
speaker, said:
"The old ada@e, what's well begun is half
ended was never better illustrated than in the
history of Grace church-happy in its central
location, in the energetic type Of its piety and
in the able hands into which the management
of its finances have fallen, but in nothing more
fortunate than in its first minister, who, though
a host in himself, modesty calls himself Il
Peck but who, notwithstanding his diminu-
tive stature and retiring disposition, cannot be
hid when the church and the union call him
forth to bear on his Atlautian shoulders the
episcopal ermine."
Rev j. o. Peck, of Springfield, former pastor,
responded in happy illusions to his three years
residence here, in the early history of the church.
the struggles and sacrifices its members had
passed through, the many pleasant remnis
cCnccS Of his life, connected with his ministry
here, the hapJiest era of his life; he concluded
by commencing this noble structure, the fruit
of five wears labors of so noble a body OF
Christian men and women, as fit temple for
the worship of the most high.
Rev. Mr. Mallalieu, of Trinity church, spoke
briefly in response to sentiment, concluding
with an urgent appeal for the completion of the
subscriptions so auSplciously begun in the al-
teInoon.
f. A. Clapp, Esq, the treasurer and successful
fnancier for the society, was called upon TO re-
Spond to a sentiment complimentary to the
ladies, which he did most appropriately, giving
them deserved praise for the efficient part they
had taken in the raising of funds for the build
ltlG Ol lHC CuuItl5 uullll4 IT'S carry struggles,
which he looked back upon as the most glorious
DAYS in its history, as indicating the hopeful
spirit and determination of those engaged in so
holy an an enterprise.
Hon Henry Chaplin responded 10 a sentiment
to the CITY of Worcester expressing his graft
ication at the increase Of churches and all re-
lgous and educational enterprises in this grow
ing city.
Rev. DR.. Eddy of Baltimore was the last
speaker and after complimentary illusions to
the society and their work, he concluded by call
ing upon those present to complete the work of
subscriptions, by raising the remaining $4,000 of
the $4,000 required. The response was the
contribution of SPIT.
Mr.. McKeown called attention to the organ
concert for this evening, and to the proposed
course of lectures in the church, the first one Of
which is to be delivered by Rev. j. o. Peck, next
Monday evening.
The meeting closed at a late hour, after bene-
diction by Rev. DIR. Eddy.