Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1885-09-17
The Baptist Church Dedication.

The dedication of the new Baptist church took
place on Sunday last. The dedicatory sermon was
delivered by Rev. Lewis Raymond, Of Chicago, Ill,
who arrived in the city Oh Friday last The choir.
Of the Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist church
es furnished the music for the occasion. The nm
sic was splendid. All Of the resident ministers
were present and participated. Elder Collins. at
the close Of the sermon, stated that the cost of
the church exceeded 5000. There had been con-
tributed in cash the sum Of 81, $3.50. There was
to be raised the sum Of e. 161OI, to meet the H..
debtedness. About Sa0O.O0 had been subscribed
which was not YET paid in. The chandeliers were
presented by the church at Pittsburg Pa, of which
church Elder Collins was pastor many years ago.
The plastering Of the building had also been do
mated by L. E. johnson, of thi. city.
The church building is the largest in the city, 1t
is Sc GO feet The church has bell, organ and
pcws, and lie neatly furnished.
Rev. Lewis Raymond chose hie text from the
6rst epistle OF Timothy, Sd ch., 18th v. sBut if
tarry long that thou mayest know how thou ought
is the church Of the living, God, the pillar and
ground Of the truth"
He said the world is full of vague and errorreous
ideas concerning the church of God. The term
church properly signifies An assembly. 1t may be
applied to any kind Of convocation or assembly
called together. But its predominant use among
the sacred writer's is to denote a religious society
or congregation. Paul calls the congregation OF
believers at COrinth and at other places, 'the
church Of God" Its organization. Its officers and
ordinances, doctrine and work are all determined
and revealed by the Great Head of the church
Epy ciploS IT,, md Inn ve
are not accountable, and in determining them we
have no voice at all. The church is not legisa
tive body. 1t can make no laws The church il
an executive body, and obeys Gods command
ments.
Many people suppose the church Of the Lord
Jesus to be organized like other societies making
platform Of principles, and in organization like
club or lodge. We cannot conform to the wishes
Of the people. We must submit to the Divine ar.
rangemcnt Here God speaks. We must keep 81
lence.
The speaker chose the theme the church Of God.
He contemplated her principles, the purpose for
which formed her responsibilities and her pros
poets. The gospel church was founded on princi-
pies different from any other combination whatev-
err The gospel church has its charter-it is found
iverse of God There are other forces very pow
erfu, but the love of God is omnipotent love. Ma
polean Bonaparte saw its power, but Jesus Christ
has founded Kingdom in love, and to-day mil
lions would die for him.
Every subject that comes under this charter
must be a new creature. All the subjects are
spiritual. None have any right to this charter but
such as believe in Jesus individually. They must
be personally interested. There can be no proxies
in this case. 1t is important that the church be
built according the regulations Of the charter.
The minister spoke Of the purposes for which
the church was founded-to support and maintain
the truth of God.
This il tho pillar and the ground Of the truth. To
defend the truth and cxcmplify it is one work.
There were two kinds Of pillars. One a column Of
support; the other monumental pillar. Absolom
had his, Lord Nelson his, Napoleon, Washington,
and SO all the way down, monuments to perpetuate
the memory Of men. Our Great Commander at
Chrlsts great monument, reared on earth, and ad.
mired by the principaitics and powers in Heavenly
places. Have you done anything forit! Then you
will share in the glory. The soldiers under Grant
all share the honors Of their chief
The minister disputed the assertion that the
church was becoming effete, is failure is 'play-
cd out" In spite of all these prophesyngs, she lie
destined to complete ultimate triumph This
the Divine word promises.
Brethren and ctizens-Tou have done we'll to
provide this neat and tasteful edifce home in
Dodge City, for this church Of God to worship IN
and labor for every department Of public and lri-
vate life in your young and growing city. This ed
ifice built for the worship and service of COG, by
your gifts and sacrifices is both a promise and
prophecy of the prosperity of the community, aud
will aid in securing solid and substantial pro-
gress in all that interests good society," and become
powerful agent in securing the Divine blessing,
and the attainment Of Eternal life.
Shut up the House Of God and in a little time
christian civilization Gies out and we drift back
to barbarism. No one can tell the amount Of pow
er the pulpit Of our country has in educating the
public conscience, and in moulding all family,
municipal and state institutions. Silence this
battery planted by God to guard dearest inter
eets on EARTH and you have 'let go" the ''sheet
Choir Of public safety, and guardian of private life
When men ignore, or oppose the church Of God in
her Legitimate work, they hopeless intellectual
cranks, or gone mad in the blindness Of sin. All
true friends Of God and humanity rejoice in the
establishment Of houses Of worship and stated in
telligent religious service. And when the beauti
ful sprc Of this house grees the eye Of the coming
stranger to your young city it will be to them an
additional attraction to come and dwell in your
midst This house is therefore a good investment
for the community and all right interests will be
subserved by the principles Taught and lives
mo Tod hv 7 tn1u fort I,c NJ;
dcnce of public spirit thus evinced.
My dear Brother Collins: rejoice that God has
spared you to build one more place Of worship
When young man, You began this work away
back in the East. Under your inspiration there
rose spires above the gathering place Of Gods
people, and you and they rejoice together in a
place to worship. And since you and l have seen
along the lines Of :rny life the brave vet PANS sur
rem Ter to the Great "Captain Of Salvation and
"fall into line" for God and souls And now in
the new west the browning work Of this beautiful
cdifce fills all our hearts with JOY, though loved
ones have left us and gone over the river Let US
thank God and push on till we are allowed to Join
them lover there" Ring out the old Gospel brave
ly little longer. We are nearing the end Of the
campaign andkshall be soon called to account for
our stewardship; go let us give the trumpet GER
tain sound. and ''die in harness. il God please
The minister concluded By speaking Of the
fraternity Of the church people Of Dodge City. He
said, rejoice in the good feeling aud friendship
among you.
We are living, are dwelling,
In grand and lawful time,
In an age an ages telling,
To be living, is sublime
Another Railroad.
4 charter for another railroad has
hooo & I'D NTH fho Cao.o<.r,, - C<.<o