The herald and mail. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1873-188?, 1875-04-09

In this country 1t has been the comPan-
1 ion, IL not the pioneer, of civilization. With
| eyes turned In all directions seeking for
fields in which to labor; and with hearts
warm with the love of man, the circuit
rider and the missionary generally, travel
| with the men who cut the cane and build
the first cabins. The sound Of the ak and
| the falling of trees, which are heard through
| the week oflabor, is followed up closely by
| the Sabbath morning call OF the circuit
| rider, the prayer. His voice mingles with
1 the melodies of the wind, signs through the
| deep untrodden wilderness, and In heard in
| contrast with the wild war-hoop of the
| savage. 1t has sent forth IL has sent forth
| its Bigle agents, its ministers, local preach
ers, circuit riders, exhorterS and teachers of
s lObath-schoolE; has established schools
founded colleges and seminaries of learn
ing, and has dotted the whole land with
temples, dedicated to the worship of the
True and everything God.
In its, mighty march, under God 1t has pI O.
duced some of the most remarkable and use
full men the world has known. Its preach
ers have been distinguished for zeal, earn
estness hope enthusiasm, courage, not and
elOquence. 1t adapts itself to all condition |
Oflife and to all sorts of people. Its min. |
4
the attention of the rich the high and the /
great, and seek, converts as well, in the /
giIded halls OF wealth and the cabin of the L
Iowly.
have ventured to say bhus much in be-
half Of Methodism. speak I'm no spirit Of
comparison, others have done nobly. Let
each have a due share of cOmmendation.
There is enough work for all, yet for all
even acting In harmony and union and l
love.
The church building which formerly 1
stood upon this spot was erect I'd in the year
1857, near 40 years, ago. II withstOod that
long the tooth of time, and the ruthless
storm. Its membership though small at
drT {, grew to be, numerous and powerful.
Within its walls, had sat the young and the |
Did for 40 years and listened to their teach
RS, many of whom were eminent for, pie
y, learning and eloquence.
On the 10Th day OF April 1874, IL was burn I
ID to ground, its steeple tottered and fell, j
Is, bell was sIlenced, and the congregation, =
O some extent scattered and discouraged. +
BUT hope and faith had not yet departed,
With a pluck and spirit Characteristic Of
iethodists, they went to work.
You now propose to build a new church j
lrger, more secure, and more beautiful "
han the Old Ones inc foundations nave l.
cen laid firm and enduring as the rock n
bbed hills themselves. To-day the cor -
er-stone is laid, and the work In to pro-
resS right on. IL will serve not only to ''
dorm and beautify our already beautiful al
tile city, but will prove a permanent bless Je
lg to the present and future generations. r.
he enterprise will need and deserve, and u,
e trust ii will secure, the aid OF all. May at
s walls rise rapidly and beautifully from :,
le ashes and ruins which are scattered
ound. May It's lofty spires ascend and VI
pint heavenward. May we soon be re- 81
iced again by the music Of its deep-toned to
IL, ringing out the old and ringing in We
e new" and calling the people TO the
Orship of God, where we way once more
beneath the instructive teachings OF the w
esent active, able and Christian pastor. 10
ay its foundations and walls Withstand an
e rage of the tempest, and be secure eli
ainst the destroying element. May It co
md O monument to It's builders, and a mn
use worthy to be called the house OF God.
The crowd then dispersed, while the band
ndered that grundest of sacred airs, "Old e''
Indred." Se'