Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1885-08-13
broken, or the silver cord is loosed,
or the wheel is broken at the cistern,
man goes to his long home.
M. E. CHURCH.

The reopening of the NJ E. Church,
| which took place last Sabbath, was an
event of considerable importance to
this community. The day was favor
able, the weather being cool and
pleasant. Large audiences assembled
both morning and evening. DR.. Couch
of New York preached able discourses,
and at the close of each solicited aid
for the society. This he did in way
that proved him to be an expert at
that kind of work also the result
proves that some of our people are
more liberal than many have supposed
When approached in a proper way,
and for laudable purpose the poorest
among US can and will give.
The repairs came to about $3.50.
and the amount was secured together
with 500 that will be applied on the
pastors salary; this is somewhat in
arrears yet, but it is hoped that those
who could not be present Sunday will
yet contribute and thereby enable the
society to retain for another year the
services of the present pastor who's
efforts in the various departments of
church work both here and at Rudolph
have this year been crowned with
signal success.
The committee deserves great credit
for the taste and good judgment they
have displayed in repairing the build
ing. No elaborate or expensive
changes have been made, but taking all
together so much has been done as TO
give one upon entering the idea they
are coming into new church.
The building has long been supposed
to be in need of repairs. But not un-
til they commenced the work did the
society know that it was really unsafe.
The tenants of some important tim
bers had rotted off and these had fallen
from their position thereby greatly
weakening the structure. The carp
enters are of the opinion that had it
not been repaired before the last heavy
storm it would have been RACED that
day to the ground. That calamity has
been providentially obviated and the
building stands as good as new. 1t
makes vast difference to our city
whether our churches lie in ruins or
whether they are renovated and
beautifed. Taking this into considera-
tion it would be small indeed in any
citizen to refuse to pay his share of the
expenses especially when things are so
we'll managed that the small amount
mentioned above can be made sufficient
to do the work.
To repair the church edifce but
leave the society in debt for the
amount Of the repairs would also be a
calamity and Rev. A. Smith deserves
credit for the earnest efforts he made
to secure a good attendance on that
day by inviting the leading citizens to
be present. In doing so be was serv-
ing the community and while some
misinterpreted his motives it is crafty
ing to know that the majority did not.
While in arrears for his salary and
never supposing that word would be
said, or an effort made that day to
bring up the deficiency and knowing
that many might under the pressure
that would be brought to bear upon
them be induced to give all they could
afford these hard times and leave none
for him, he nevertheless endeavoreG to
induce all to be present Can We not
see in this the marks of true servant
of the people.