The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-11-19

Sermon by Rev. Dr. Lord OF Mont-
pciier.

Sermon by Rev. Dr. Lord OF NOnt-
pciier.
Thirty-slx years ago this month the Sec
ond Congregational church of Bennington
met and decided on the site where their
present new and beautiful edfce stands.
the first church built and erected by the
society," which was remodeled and enlarged
in 1854, AMI which was consumed by fire
in 1861. 4 history OF the society in its
earliest days, and full description of the
new church, have already appeared in our
columns, and suffice it to say that work on
the present church was commenced in June,
1878, and under the superintendent of
Hon. ii. G. Root, Hon. G. w. Hartman,
David Carpenter, Albert Walker and A.
b. Valentine, has been brought to grand
and successful termination, and Wednes-
day was dedicated to the service of the
Lord with appropriate services ; n church
that for convenience, elegance and beauty
is not eXcelled by more than two or three
in Vermont, an ornament to the village
and noble monument TO the church and
society who, in spite of obstacles, have
persevered in their good work, until now
they have property, including chapel,
building lot, church and fixtures on which
they have expended 100000, and on which
at present only remains a debt of $4,000,
and from the wel-known lberality of the
members of the church and the society, it
is reasonable to suppose that within the
space of a very few months this debt will
be entirely paid
THE CHURCH
has been furnished entire since our descrip-
ton of it appeared, which we will here
note The carpet is ingram of brown
color, with white figure, the cushions being
of crimson rep. The artificial light used
is gasoline, and is supplied through two
twelve burner bronze chandeliers, and
twelve side burners, all being beautiful in
design and finish The vestbule is pro.
vided with mating, in front of each en-
trance being large mat Oh which are the
words
Second
Congregational Church,
BENNINGTON.
In the audience room just opposite each
entrance is another smaller mat, on which
is the word
HWnlcome
The room was very finely decorated
with bouquets of flowers and plants, pre-
senting beautiful appearance, while the
fragrance arising from them fairly filed
the room. The desk, which is of black
walnut and, elaborate in design and finish,
was covered with vine of green entwned
| about it. On the communion table directly
in front were three large bouquets, and on
either side of it, standing on small stands.
were two more. The front of the platform
contained large display of flowers,
geranums, &C., and on each end a Gala
lily in full blossom, At each end of the
choir rail was moss rose bush 10 blossom,
and in each window were specimens of
plants, most of them in blossom Over
each entrance to the audience room was a
hanging basket of flowers and evergreens,
the whole speaking well for the tastes OF
the ladies of the church and society.
TIE SERVICES
Half-past one was the time appointed fol-
the dedcatory services to commence, and
before that time the church was well filled
by an audience representing all of the socie-
ties in the place, who had come in to par.
ticipate in the exercises of the day, and to
congratulate the members on the fine
church they were to dedicate and wish
them God speed in the future. The order
of exercises was as follows:
l. Voluntary organ, by Prof. David
Roberts, tine organist of the church, which
was finely rendered.
2, Anthem-"The Lord is in His holy
temple"
3. Inyocation-Rev. r. s. Cushman, D.
ID.
A. Reading Scriptures-Rey. b. Hawlcy
D. D. Chron., VI, /, 2, 1s 81, 4O-42
VII, IA. Heb. X 1927.
5. Anthem" How beautiful are thy
dwellings, oh Lord of Hosts" The SOLO
of John V. Hall and Miss Katie Root being
rendered in a fine manner.
@. Prayer,-lRev Isaac Jennings.
I. Dedication hymn-"And will thu
great eternal God"
In this hymn soprano solos by Mrs. JOIN
V. Hall, Miss Hattie White, alto by Mrs
E. ID. Bennett, and the duet by Messrs. Il
A. Cobb and L. ID. Bennett, and tenor SOLE
by Mr.. Bennett were very fine, and indeed
the singing by the choir contributed mucl
to the beauty of the services.
s. Sermon,-Rev. William II. Lord, D. d
The subject chosen by the speaker wa
"Congregationalsm,' and was one of th,
reverend gentleman's most powerful ant
able arguments, and was listened to will
much interest by the audience. Below will
be found the sermon nearly entire.
Ezra o, IL: ave are servants OF the God o
Heaven and earth, and build again the hous,
mat was Dullded these many years ago."
These are the manly words with which
the leaders of Israel replied to the mockinl
inquiries of the Samaritans as to who they
were and what it was their purpose to do
/ select them as the text for this occasion
because they indicate both the character
and the continuity of the work in which
you have been engaged. This noble struc
ture within whose walls we are assembled
on this day of high and grateful joy is but
the rebuilding of house that was buldet
these many years ago. 1t is a second time
and in nobler form the outward develop
ment and Towering of your long held