Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1875-04-01

enterprise is 1850. The building was enlarged
in 1860; while measures were taken for erect
ing the just completed edifce in 1870. May
the years 1880, 1890, and 1900 witness as
marked growth; although my eyes may not
behold it all; although the leadership shall
have fallen to another
A SACRED STRUCTURES.
But may seem to you to have dwelt too
long and fondly upon these "reminiscences to
the neglect of our spiritual history. Ny apol-
ogy is, that this is not a secular but sacred
structure; that it was built with consecrated
money; and by prayer, and for the glory Of
God. These walls though material, enshrine
the spiritual, and they derive a sacredness
from the holy association. The body which
the transcendant soul inhabts aud animates,
and makes the agent of its purposes, is not to
be regarded merely as so much earthly matter
during lite, or ever after death The alter
sanctifeth the gift. This building is construct
ed of the very same materials as any dwelling
or shop it is devoid of architectural preten-
SiOH5 DuL SluCt IL WAS UcNObtu W OOu more
than twenty years ago, by solemn dedication,
the Gospel of Christ has been preached within
its wall two thousand times, while its prayers
and hymns have gone up to Heaven to the
number of tens Of thousands, Faith in Christ
has been publicly professed by successive
companies of converts, gratefully acknowl-
edging what He hath done for them. BaptIs-
NAL water has been applied to the foreheads
of believers and their children, in token of the
fulfllment of the promise: 81 will sprinkle
clean water upon you and We shall be clean
The sacramental bread and cup have been ad
ministered to Christ's disciples whose souls
have fed on Hin, and some of whom-bessed
ones-have since been called to the marriage
supper of the Lamb" May we not say that
they entered Heaven through these portals !?
These plain walls have sometimes seemed to
be the celestial gate way.
DAY OF SMALL THINGs-sEvEN MEMBERS.
| This church has seen its day of small things,
having been organized bv Rev. j. d. Stevens
at the court house, May 81, l843, with only
seven members. The first minister, Rev
| Robert Carver, after officiating six months re-
turned to the East, where he died some years
| since in the midst Of useful life. In a few
months Rev. 0. Ljttlefeld, an earnest and
Jealous pioneer was invited to take charge OF
| the church, which he did on the first OF
August lS45. After a year and half o.
| faithful labor he was succeeded by the present
pastor. The ministers of this church preached
at Ellenboro every alternate Sabbath until the
Big Platte Presbyterian church became ex-
| tinct in consequence of the emigration of it.
members to other places.
1--WE ALL WITH OPEN FACE BEHELD TIE GLORY
OF GOD.
| The aggregate membership of this churcl
| since its organization is 286, of whom l57 have
united on profession of faith, and l29 by let
ter A public prayer meeting and a ladies'
| prayer meeting have been sustained from the
earliest history ofthe church. Special religion.
awakenings of the people has marked the year!
| '49, 81, '62, 67 and '73 One of the sons O.
! the church is preaching the Gospel on the Pa
| cific coast, and another is pursuing course O
| study preparatory to the work of the ministry
| We thank God that the last days of our holy
| house have been its best. On the 9th day OF
| last April sixty persons presented them
| selves at the alter to take the vows Of an ever
| lasting covenant with God. The great clouC
| of invisible witnesses by which we are sur
rounded seems to gather nearer; Heaven and
earth met and mingled; the Saints below anC
| the Saints above made but one communion
"We all, with open face, behold the glory o
| the Lord"
MAY OUR EYES BEHOLD IT AND NOT ANOTHER.
Many of US fit that never before did jesus
take as up into high mountain to be Sc
TRANSPORTED in one sight. While we bless Coz
for the Heavenly vision, we pray that the new
house which we are about to enter may re
ceive a like holy consecra ton; that there
| Heaven and earth may meet as it hath beer
here; that our eyes may 6eh9d It o and nc,