The Portland daily press., 1881-04-23
DEDICATION AT GORHAM.
The Exercises at the Methodist Church

1t would be hard to tell who was the origin
ator, or who first proposed tho idea of new
Methodist church in this village. But certain
1t is that few who had stout hearts and will
ing hands decided the matter favorably, and
on Saturday, November 1, 1879, ground was
broken for this purpose.
The difficulties of building by subscription
were now fairly begun; but, thanks to the un-
tlring efforts of the Pastor, Rev. Mr.. Tyrie'
Mr. Roscoe G. Harding and other members of
the Board, these difficulties were overcome;
and the work steadily progressed until to-day
the Methodist Episcopal Society has an edifice
combining both comfort and beauty-an orna-
ment to the town. and an honor to those who
have SO nobly responded to the many appeals
made to them for help. Mr.. Geo. w. Lowell
was the architect, Lowell & Shackford build
ers, and Mr.. E. Fl. Written, of Saco, frescoer.
Entering the church, we find ourselves in
cosy vestibule, nicely frescoed and carpeted.
Taking either the right or left-hand stairway,
we enter an audience room Al x6S in size. with
seating capacity of between four and five
hundred. This room is finished in ash, hand
somely frescoed, with two center-pieces design
ed by Jost of Portland. From the center of
these are suspended two very handsome chan.
deliers of twenty-four lights. The pews are of
ash, with black walnut trimmings, and were
manufactured by j. S. Paine & Co., Boston.
The pulpit furniture is black walnut uphol-
stored in maroon plush, presenting rich ap-
pearance, adding much to the beauty OF the
room. Upon either side of the pulpit are tab
lets, that upon the right bearing the following
inscription
Great il the Lord And greatly to be praised. 1
am he that liyeth, And was dead And, behold,
am alive for evermore.
That upon the left bears the following in
scription:
How amiable are thy tabernacles, o Lord of
hosts Ye shall keep my Saboaths and reverence
my sanctuary.
Back of the pulpit is an alcove, containing
the organ and seats for the choir
Descending to the basement, we enter ves-
try 40x45 Adjoining this on the west side is
the library, conveniently arranged and con-
tanning a choice selection of books. Adjoining
tho vestry on the east side is the classroom
and ladies' reception parlors, all beautifully
beauty. Walking still farther along, we come
to commodious kitchen stocked with the
utensils usual to such room, with which the
ladies have concocted the many good suppers
we have enjoyed during the past year. Thus
we will leave the description of the building
for that of the more entertaining part, and
certainly the most pleasing to the society.
Had the vote of the people been accepted as
ruling for the weather, the day could scarcely
have been more propitious. One gathered new
life from the soft April airs, the blue skies and
a few dreamy white clouds seeming like
prophecy of summer, while the regal sunshine
spread itself over all earth and heaven, like a
benediction. Long before the hour fixed upon
for the exercises the church began filling, un-
til the edifice, from the altar to the vestibule,
was literally packed with an interested and de-
lighted audience When the train arrived
from Portland, it was found to have brought
full more than enough to fill the seats reserved
for them. After spirited voluntary upon the
organ by Mr.. Milliken, of Portland, the fol-
lowing was the succeeding programme:
81 was glad when He said unto me.'
By Rev. Joseph Colby.
Rev. Mr.. Hilman- 137th Psalm.
Anthem:
GLOW amiable are thy tabernacles.''
Sermon:
By Bishop Peck of New York.
The Rev. Bishop preached powerful sermon,
taking for his text 2 Chronicles, GAL.
Ritual Service.
Benediction.
After the service visiting friends were invit-
ed to the rooms below, where the ladies were
in waiting with a bountiful collation..
Again was the seating capacity of the house
fully tested in the evening, nearly if not quite
as many being present as in the afternoon, all
anxious to hear the lecture of the Rev. j. w.
Houlton on Gifted and Misftted Folk" The
lecture was replete with witty sayings, apt il
Illustrations and good common sense advice.
The gentleman was frequently applauded, and
the general verdict was that it was the best
heard for many day. The concert by Miss
Milliken, Mrs. Morrison and Messrs. Shaw
and Colby consisted of nine numbers. 1t
would be superfuous to say more than that
they were in good voice and sang charmingly
Thus closed a day long to be remembered by
our citizens more particularly the Methodsts,
who have by their united efforts built splen-
did house costing $3.50, and, still better, not
dollar of indebtedness remaining for it.
Nix