The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1885-05-11
TEE Gospel MISSION.
Ets Seventh Anniversary FittingIy Cele-
brnGed.

Yesterday was observed as the seventh ami
versaFy of this useful institution, which was
founded 10 this city on the 9th OF May, 1878.
About that time Mr.. T. III. McKenney the
Evangelist knowing Mr.. Pearson as REFORM
cd man and earnest worker with the Portland
Y. M. G. A., and Reform Clubs, found he was
leaving the city to labor at St. John, N. B.,
and persuaded him to remain and establish a
mission in Portland. The mission was accord
ingly started in a few days in the Mechanics
building, and from that day to the present
meetings have been held every evening, for
seven years without single exception, and the
work has increased until it has assumed its
present proportions. Its present quarters are
altogether too small, as every Sunday many
are unable to get inside its doors. A year ago
some of our monied men believing that Mr..
Pearson was doing good work here and sup
plying the place of a city missionary, which
Portland did not possess, resolved to come to
his aid financially, and appointed committee
of which Sylvester Mari, Esq, has been treas
urer, and by this means about $50 have been
contributed to support the good work.
Yesterday at six o'clock we'll attended
praise service was held in the Mission, follow.
cd at o'clock By the sacrament of baptism tc
a number Of converts by Rev. S. f. Pearson Of
the beach foot of franklin street, where very
large number of people had assembled to wit.
ness the ceremony. At 1880 o'clock the Lords
Supper was observed in the Mission and al
half past two the children had their Sabbath
school anniversary. An excellent programme
was presented by the children and Mr.. T. J.
Russell, superintendent, presented the follow.
| ing report: Number of scholars 1855, teachers
| H. &c. garments have been supplied to bring
children into the school, and four suits Of
clothes provided The financial report show
ed the school to be in good condition.
At seven o'clock the anniversary exercises Of
the Mission took place in the City Hall. The
| meeting was opened by singing, after which
| Rev. MIR. Pearson read from 2nd Corinthians
| fourth chapter. Prayer was offered by Mr.
| Pearson who then submitted his report for the
| past year. During the year $16S5 have beer
expended for the maintenance Of the Mission
| There have been 627 meetings; 402 persons
have come forward for prayers; 1917 have tax
| en- the pledge. There have been 735 visit
| made by the pastor, II funerals and AZ
| baptisms.
After prayer Mr.. Pearson introduced several
| OF the workers of the Mission. Sylvester
| Mari, ESQ.,. treasurer of the citizens soliciting
| committee, was then introduced and said thai
in soliciting funds for its support he found thai
| with very few exceptions the business mer
were willing to support the work, and further
stated as a business man and tax payer tina
| he considered it very excellent investment
for, said he, when we can see humanity ele
waited and the condition of society bettered 81
| we have heard these people testify tonight, the
| organization that can bring about this good re
suit is worthy the support of all good citizens
| After the remarks Mr.. Pearson thanked tn,
audience for their kind attendance and for tn.
support of the year and made an earnest ap
| peal for the citizens to rally round the worl
| and secure more appropriate quarters while al
| opportunity is at hand instrumental must,
was rendered by Sturtevant's full orchestr
and q chorus choir of Sabbath school children
| of fifty voices.