Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1886-06-21
HALF a CENTURY OLD.
FittinQ Celebration of the Ffftietfl
Anniversary
OF St. Johns Church and Dedication OF the
the New SteepIe and Chime of
BeIIs---A Successful Affair.

6lCl0o "oo 49,
the foundation of St. Johns German In.
dependent Protestant Evangelical church
in the city of Wheeling, and the congrega-
ton Of the church and its pastor, ReV.
Ulfert, had determined TO commemorate
the event in a fitting manner, which they
certainly succeeded in doing very success
fully. A little history Of the church will
not come in smiss here.
The old building on Eighteenth street,
now occupied by = Presbyterian mission
Sunday School, was erected by St. Johns
congregation in 1886, and was occupied
by them until 1869. The present new edi.
fee, at the corner of Market and Seven
tenth streets, was completed in 1872, the
pastor at that time being Rev. Edward
Coss. The congregation has gradually In
creased until now it is one OF the largest IN
the city.
To 10 this spring the church build
ing remained without q stesple, but q
week or so since q hand
some one was completed, and last week a
chime of two bells was placed in il. The
services Yesterday also included the dedi-
cation OF this new steeple and conservation
of its bells.
The event wa one of extraordinary In
terest, aud in the morning thirteen car
loads of excursionists came in over the
''Pewiky," besides many more over the b
& 0. road, there being somewhere in the
neighborhood Of 1000 all told. A large
majority of these people came down to at
tend the celebration, and the church was
literally packed with people.
The anniversary celebration proper took
place in the forenoon, the services com
mencipg at 1890. A special programme
of music had been arranged and the st.
Johns choir was assisted by the choir OF
Manchester Church, Pittsburg. The &C.
compartments were furnished by the full
| Opera House orchestra Of sixteen pieces,
and the music was very fine. Rev. Eber-
hard, who was pastor Of the church twenty
three years ago, delivered the address,
which related mainly to the history
of the church since its formation
and its growth from that day
to the present. The address was Of a very
interesting nature and the audience listen.
ed i~rtently to each word. Among the Wis
iting pastors present were Rev. Ruof, of
the Smithfeld Church, Pittsburg; Rev.
Torch, OF the Bi. mingham, Pa Church;
Rev. Weber, of Allegheny City; Rev.
Schmidt. of McKeesport; Rev. Blass, of
Meadville, Pa, and Rev. Baehr, of St.
Paurs Church, South Side,
The afternoon services were devoted to
the dedication ofthe new steeple and bells.
The music on this OCCASION was also ex-
c~ellent, and the address OF Rev. Schmidt
was very appropriate and entertaining.
Rev. Ultert, pastor Of the church, oficiated
in the dedication services, which were Of
On interesting character. The exercises
closed in time to allow those who desired,
to attend the Park, and the opportunity
was taken advantage OF literally.
1t wac intended to hold evening ser
vices also, but the fatigue conse-
quent upon the morning and afternoon
sessions were found to be too great, and
the intention wa abandoned. The cele-
bration will have a fitting close to-day, when
a large picnic will be held on the State
Fair grounds, and the day will be given up
to enjoyment. A fine concert will also be
given in conjunction with the picnic by the
full Opera House orchestra. This morn.
ing the Sabbath School scholars and mem.
bers of the congregation will meet at the
church and at 1890 form into line and
march to the picnic ground. All nticipate
a delightful day.
Rev. Ulfert and the members OF the
church are to be congratulated upon the
great success Of their celebration and dedi
cation exercises, which reflect credit upon
the city and them alike.