River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-02-12
of lots ON Cascade Avenue has not yet

recovered from that shock.
The Sabbath School dates back to
the origin of the church itself. Its
prosperity and growth have been
steady and constant. 1t has been tru-
ly a fountain from which have gone
for III living streams to make glad the
city of God. 1t has been nursery in
which have been reared many of the
choicest plants for the Masters vine-
yard. Many of its members have gone
forth bearing precious seed. and they
will doubtless come again, with rejoic.
ing, bringing their sheaves with
them" Some have gone to distant
lands. We mention with special hon
or, one who bid farewell TO friends
and home, and braved the dangers of
the sea that she might carry the story
| of the Cross to those who sit in the
region, and shadow of death. Fanny
Stevens, the daughter Of our first pas
tor was an earnest christian, ready to
lay down her life for Him who re-
deemed her. And when He cometh
| to make up his jewels she will shine
as the brightness of the armament
and as the stars forever III her Savior 8
| Crown.
Some young and tender flowers have
been transplanted to celestial climes--
too frail to,bear the rouhg rude storms
of time, they were early called to the
Paradise of God.
The first S. 5. superintendent was
John T. Pratt, who held the position
| till May, 1859, when l.. n. Powell was
elected in his stead and filled the office
till the fall of 1872. OF them / need
not speak single word Of eulogy
Their labers of love, their unremittine
efforts to lead the children of theil
charge to Christ, are they not engrav
en- on the hearts of all who knew then
as with pen of diamondi "They
rest from their labors and their works
follow them" We bring no solemn
dirge for them-rather would we
Strike the harp gently in hope and in love.
As their spirits are chanting with Sersphs above
No note of sadness mingles with
their songs tonight. Let there b.
none in ours as in softest notes we
chant IA soothing requiem to theii
memory. Here the choir suns
with thrilling effect the following
verses, the singers all remaining seat
ed.-ED.
There is calm tor those who weep,
A rest for weary pilgrims found.
They softly lie and swestly sleep,
Low in the ground.
The storms that sw sep the wintry sky.
No more disturb their deep repose,
Than summer evenings latest Sigh,
That shuts the rose.
How poor are the best utteraRcss Of
human speech compared to the match
less power, the touching pathos of di
vine song. Often have we witnessed
that power in this church. 1t has lem
heavenly wings to the soul of tn,
christian worshiper. Its joyous anC
soul inspiring notes have always beer
leading feature and browning
charm of our Sunday School. 1t ha'
comfOrted the mourner and poured
the sweet balm of consolation into
bereaved hearts around the tomb.
The choir of this church has held {
prominent position from the first anC
it is difficult to decide whether the
pulpit or the choir has accomplished
the most good in its own sphere
There may have been discords among
its notes, but among the singers the
most perfect harmony has prevailed
through the whole period of its exist
ence. But we must omit much that
we have written. In reviewing 1t:
first quarter of a century this church
can truly say--"Hitherto the Lord
hath led us. When we met in the
old school-house we felt that we were
transacting work not merely for the
present but for future generations
and this day confirms our faith. What
more remains but to dedicate ourselves
anew to the Masters work. For my
own part, if did not know that the
sacrifice was already made--and no
price my poor hands could bring,
would be accepted should feel to-
day like bringing burnt offerings to
the altar Of God, that thus l might
hope by the repentance Of an hour, to
atone for the neglect of years; and
| having wandered so long from the
heavenly Shepherds fold, might ev-
er more find rest among its consecrat-
ed walks.
l have seen, near the rock on which
the Pilgrims landed, at Plymouth, a
pillar with hand pointing to their
graves, bearing this inscription
Their care was first to worship God.
And next to leave their children free.
Such is the pillar we would rear to-
day. And when the places that now
know us shall know us no more forev-
er, may the inscription over our
graves be-
''They have left unstained what there they
found,
Freedom to Worship God -