The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1878-01-16
From the South. Western Presbyterian.
Dedication Services at the aeamen's Bethel
New Orleans, La

| desire to begin the history of this interesting
and important enterprise, and its most devouty
wished consummation, by using the words of the
Psalmis: Bless the Lord O my soul, and all
that is within me bless His holy name!'' Says
one of our dailies, the New Orleans Times
"That lively interest is felt in the spiritual
welfare of the tolers of the sea was evinced by the
large attendance at the Seamen's Bethel last even
ing-the occasion of its dedcation-the capaciou5
chapel being crowded to its utmost capacity by an
assembly of people who appeared to have the well
fare of 'Ye Ancient Mariner particularly at heart
In the reading and writing ROOMS below-all Of
which are comfortably furnished and well-hested-
are numerous files of reading matter of an appro-
pirate class, and every facility is afforded the sea-
men to pass their time in port pleasantly in the
circle of those who ply the same avocation as
themselves, and within the protecting influence OF
religion and its benevolent eXpounders, who have
at last accomplished the worthy and laudable effort
which has so long engaged their time and energy
The Bethel is the direct gift of God. His prov
idence has smiled upon it; and no effort made on
its behalf for two years past has proved a6ortlve,
but has been blessed beyond expectation. The no
Die founder ii. A. Maybin) died before its com.
pletion; but doubtless his pure spirit looked down
from the battements of heaven upon the scenes o!
last night dedication services
| The services were opened by the singing OF the
hymn, "All hail the power of Jesus name, by
| the choir of the Lafayette Presbyterian church
| REV. DR.. Markham's,) in spirited manner, IN
which the congregation earnestly jolned-and to
which church the Bethel is indebted tor two sue
cessful entertainments in their ecture-room.
| After which the 10th Psalm was read by Rev.
| Mr.. Trawck, in an impressive manner
| The dedication prayer was then devoutly offered
| to throne of grace by Rev DIR. Markham.
The sermon was delivered by Rev. DR.. Palmer.
His text was taken from Ezekiel Xvii II, Is. l9
1t is to be hoped that synopsis OF the beautiful
and appropriate discourse may be furnished your
paper for publication. We think it would aid the
good cause. | shall only mention that the preach
er presented the importance of the Bethel work BY
the intimations of Scripture that seamen to be
closely connected with the conversion of the world
and quoted Isaiah TX: 81 1.-The ABUNDANCE OF the
sea shall be converted unto Thee" He Nwelt or
the vast amount of good possible to be done by the
PRONUNCIATION OF the gospel by seamen throughout
the world and especially to their associates among
their own class To use the words of the preacher
dr. Palmer): Convert sailor, and you put &
preacher on board ship
After sermon most fervent prayer was offered
by Rev. James Beattie Whose heart is full to over
flowing with love for the caqse) for the success o.
the laudabe and worthy undertaking.
After which Mr.. w. G. Raymond, Treasurer o.
the Bethel Committee, uttered few stirring sen
teuces and stated that, owing to the kindness anC
assistance of the Ladies Bethel Association, TIT
enterprise was launched forth on is voyage of use
tuness unburdened with debt or financial embar
rsssment Our Treasurer stated that the building
cost So, 500 and the Ladies' Bethel Association
had, in less than three months, added furniture t
the amount of about $900-one-half of which wa
contributed by generous persons. l also add tina
the ground cost 81, 100, and other expenses amour
to SOCIAL paid.
j Rev. f. O. Koelle, pastor of the German church
pronounced the benedction.
In the good providence of God, devout womer
have worked this enterprise through. They have
never grown weary in we'll doing They have beer
at it early and late. And last night their heart
we're made glad, and the Bethel Committee, ant
the chaplain, and the people generally rejoice'
and gave thanks to the Oliver of every good ant
perfect gift, in the name of the Great Head of tn
Church and devoutly prayed that the Bethe
might be the house of God and the gate of HEAVIER
to those that go down to the sea in ships and d.
business in great waters" A. j. w.,
Seamen's Chaplain.
Ne,o Orleans, Jan. 7, 1878.