Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1881-06-30
Progress in Wood County.
J. 4. GAYNOR.

a very Interesting social meeting or
Saturday evening. At the usual hour
for public worship on Sabbath morn
ing, groups of citizens might have
been seen vending their way to the
neat and commodious School House;
and soon, despite the appearance of
rain, every available seat was filled.
In the audience we're several from the
Church at Grand Rapids. There were
also present, Rev. j. S. Norris. pastor
at the last mentioned place; MIR. Stowe
Sawyer, student, who is preaching
at Pittsville and Dexterville during his
summer vacation; and deacon j. G.
Plumb. of the Cong. Church at Milton,
Wis, who added much to the interest
of the occasion by both speaking and
singing. He is an old friend of the
Grand Rapids pastor and was visiting
him at this time. Rev. T. B. Doe. of
Ripon, superintendent of Home Mis-
sions for Wis. came according to pre-
vious arrangement, and after singing
and prayer, made we!ltimed and
forcible address upon spiritual life and
growth.
The candidates for membership were
then called to the front, and, having
made profession of their Christian
faith, the unbaptized received the
ordinance. Then all members were
specially and kindly spoken to upon
the subject of their mutual relations
and obligations, and after the prayer
of conservation, they were each given
the right hand of Christian fellowship.
By the unanimous choice of the breth-
rem, Bros. j. G. Dawes and D. B.
Lowell were elected deacons, and Bro.
j. Ralph Boynton, Clerk. And so.
in this common sense way, beautiful
in its simplicity, another Church was
added to the sisterhood of the 1000
Congregational Churches in this land.
In the afternoon, the happy throng
again met to engage in fellowship
meeting, led by Rev. Mr.. Dee. 1t
was just heavenly; the remarks SO
spontaneous, apt and healthful; the
prayers so fervent; and the singing
well, all are beginning to know what
heartiness, sweetness and inspiration
there is in the Pittsville service OF
song. This Church organization is
the only one in the place; and there
is none nearer than Grand Rapids, a
distance Of twenty miles. 1t exists as
a result Of the labors of Rev. Mr..
Norris during the past winter; and.
judging from the character of those
who compose 1t, it is destined to be a
strong, useful, permanent and growing
institution Already it has shown
itself to be power for good in that
region, having under its supervision
four live Sabbath schools and two wide
awake prayer meetings, besides preach
ing services.
There is talk of building a church
edifce, and already an eligible site
has been offered by one of the oldest
citizens. But probably none will be
erected till next year. Mr.. Sawyer,
though quite young and having but
recently come to this his first field, is
doing good work and is beginning to
find large place in the hearts of his
Pensioners. He gives promise of a
useful and bright future.
The efficiency of Mr.. Doe indicates
the peculiar fitness of that earnest
and genial gentleman for the position
he holds. He made host of friends
during his brief visit at Pittsville.
Though this village lies right in the
woods, and is five miles from the
railroad, tits live place.
All the visiting friends were i'm
pressed by the evident tokens of thrift,
refinement and culture; and also by
the whole hearted hospitality extended
to them.
What with its vigorous new Church
and no saloon, its efficient Sabbath and
weekday schools, its debating society,
its brass band, its factories, Con the
ground and prospective its mill and
outlying farms, it is sure to go ahead.
So whether one considers the temporal
or the moral and spiritual side, the
outlook is exceedingly hopeful.
A VISITOR.