Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-11-26

large congregation was in attendance q,
the forenoon service. yesterday, At St Marks
church. Rev. Mr.. Upjohn. rector of the
church, being about to sever his connection
with the parish, preached his farewell ser
mon. It was an eloquent but feeling ad.
dress and the members Of the congregation
we're visibly affected. The preacher took for
for his text, Acts Xxx :33: 'sAud now brethren
l commend you to God and to the word of
his Grace, which 10 able to build you up and
to give you an inheritance among all those
who are sanctifed." Without preliminary
exposition he spoke feelingly of the time
having come when he had to relinquish the
charge Ut st. Marks. It was an occasion
which if easier to pass by without special
reference seemed to call for some particular
notice in its bearings upon the past, the
present and future Referring to the changes
that had taken place in the congregation by
removals and deaths, he stated that an ap-
proximate estimate might be arrived at in
the fact that 220 communicate had within
the is years Of his rectory removed and died.
The number on his assuming the parish was
1875 StO udu Uccu ouucu u0kiNk III ail fOV
There are now on the list $50. Passing to
what had been done in the way Of permanent
Improvements, he cited the building of the
rectOry, the establishment of ST. GATHERINGS
Hall, the new organ and extensive improve
ments in the church building, the founding of
the st. Marks Home. the purchase of the
parish rectOry property, the Inauguration of
the surpliced choir, the enlargement Of st.
Marks Home and the accomplishment of
many other works through the various Or
CARNATIONS in the parish. There had beer
contributed to the communion aims,
5000 e. to missions, $3.50. so, to improve
ment TO church property, $780, 1923 90; the
total number of offerings and gifts in the parish
being. Sl06,949. The spiritual growth has
been marked, and as a result there has been
3l3 baptisms, 222 persons confirmed. The
holy communion had been celebrated in pr-
vate 80 times, in public, 692. The number
of services, week day and Sunday, was
459l. The present condition of the parish
is prominently hopeful one and their atti-
Iude should be one Of hOpefulness, conf
dence and courage. The GROWING material
improvements, a new church building, only
remained to be made. The house of God
among such number Of rong-hearted, able
minded, comfortably of people ought to be,
within reasonable limits, the best OF its kind
He trusted that in this matter they would be
influenced by zeal for Gods honor and re-
solve to do this service in his name.
In taking final leave he SAID: "And now
dear kind affectionate hearts of whom SO much
has been received and so little deserved, to
whom so great debt is owing for patient
kindnt 50. for ~ mpsthy and loyal attachment,
if any act has lightened your burdens or any
service kindled in you q stronger love for
Christ, or any sympathy made your way less
dark, if hereby you have been led TO the
truth more plainly. to follow it more pa
tiently, to prize it more dearly, then give
God thanks, and pray for him who may have
helped you, that his many sins, negligences
and ignorances may be forgiven, and that he
may be- endowed with the grace of the Holy
Spirit to see all things wherein his duty lies,
and by the power that maketh mighty in the
the feeblest and most unworthy to fulfill.
ard in his great mercy bring us all at legnth
to the joy of his kingdom of glory, for
Jesus sake, amen