The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1873-12-27
CHURCH RE-OPENING.

Mr.. ED1ToR:-A few friends of Method
ism in Elkton, know, are interested in
our church re opening, and l therefore ask
space for the following:
AS you have previously published the
old NJ. E. Church of Chesterville, only a
few months ago, was in very bad condi-
ton: the building had been set on blocks,
when erected, and these had decayed,
allowing the house to so sink as to ruin the
walls and sag the floor on either side. In
addition to this, part of the weather
| boarding had succumbed to the pressure of
time while the windows were venerable
with age, and showed their antiquity by
the size of their panes. To add still more
to this uninviting picture, the front and
one side of the house were painted, while
the rest was left implanted. In the front
of the edifice was a primitive gallery,
which stretched across the building, access
to which was had by an outside door in
the side of the church. The enclosed
stairway, leading to this "high seat in the
synagogue" was in entire keeping with
the other surroundings, and gave the whole
an artistic finish. Away up above the CELL
ing was an invisible flue, which peeped out
through the roof extending to which were
continuous lines of stovepipe, which con-
nected with beautiful drum in the center,
suspended by four delicate (?) iron rods.
From this rustic, though useful ornament,
a pipe conducted the vapory element to its
| legitimate channel above. Suspended from
the ceiling, over either aisle, was single
coal Oil lamp, which did all it could to
throw light on the (sometimes) intricate
questions discussed.
From the above, the reader can proba-
bly, form some idea of the former condition
of the church, and from what follows they
can perhaps realize the change.
One half the building has been newly
weather boarded. 1t has been underpinred
with brick, re-lathed and plastered, and the
whole nicely painted inside and out. Large
new windows have been put in; flues run
been taken out, and the pulpit nicely
grained: beautiful white coating super
sedes the late whitewash, and handsome
chandelier takes the place of the lamp
mentioned. So great has been the i'm
provement, that one familiar with the place
of worship, a short time since, would
hardly recognize it in its present attire.
The cost of the repairs is nearly $500.
| The estimated cost was $500. At the
commencement of the enterprise, all who
would obligated themselves for a certain
amount-large or small-wth the privilege
of collecting all they could. This plan,
which we first saw tried in Elkton, worked
well, one gentleman having collected 500,
and then added good subscription beside.
! THAT was not the writer. At our re-op-
ening we had but $500 to raise, and it
might be stated this amount was secured
by subscription Zone of which is now
paid in-16th) after the style, and with the
same celebrity that money is obtained in the
Elkton NJ. f. Church. We think the
whole amount was secured in half an hour.
Our re-opening took place on Sunday
| 14th. The day was lovely. the roads were
fine, and the people in attendance numer-
Gus. 1t was our good fortune to secure
the services of the venerable Bishop Scott
who was present at the morning and after
noon service, but preached at the former
| A., 6 IN,,+
the words, 'The just shall live by faith, -
was a clear and concise exposition Of the
beauty and simplicity, as well as complete
ness, of Gods plan for saving mankind.
He proved that salvation is a pure gratuity,
| inasmuch as man is utterly unable to do
anything by which to merit favor. He also
asserted that not only may we be justified
by faith, but may continue to lire holy
life by the same simple trust in Gods
word. Our Presiding Elder preached in
the afternoon, and Pastor at night, in their
usual excellent and earnest style.
Prof S. w. Aldridge had charge Of the
singing, and loaned his cabinet organ for the
occasion. The music was good, and con-
tributed much to the interest.
When last in Elkton, l called on a num-
Der of friends for small contributions in
behalf of our church enterprise. In no
case did ask more than So. take pleas
ure in acknowledging the following John
Perkins $e.25; w. II. Elder 81; -
-- 50; f. A. Ellis 81; II. Warner 81;
T. C. Crouch 81; J. w. Anthony 81; Mrs.
Carrie Brown So; 3. Brock and wife $50.
With thanks for this aid, and your own
kind Indulgence, Mr.. Editor, l remain
Respectfully yours,
II. c. LAYMAN.
| GheaterriIs NJ De- 1GtL 1879