Morning journal and courier., 1888-09-24
COmmEmORATIvE SERVICE
Of the Founding or the First PFesby-
terrain Church.


The union service at the Presbyterian
church last evening to commemorate the
founding of the organisation three years ago
was largely attended. Rev. j. g. Rodger, the
pastor of the church, read the bath Psalm
the same selection that was read at the first
service of the church-after which Rev. Mr..
Pierce offered fervent prayer.
Rev. Mr.. Rodger made the opening remarks
during which he said that it was better in q
community to gronp together in church fami-
lies and for that reason the Presbyterian
body sent one of their number several years
ago to found church in this city. He
thought that there was enough material to
build up church here without seeking to
draw q single person from any other church
home. He spoke of the difference between
church unity and Christian unity and said
that it was utterly impossible in his estima-
timation to formulate groundwork that all
the church organizations would agree on.
Rev. Mr.. Pierce of Ohio spoke about Pres
byterian work in that State. Among other
things he sgid: Isupposed that when I came
to New Haven I would find the people all
Congregationalists, and although I looked for
one of their churches, have been in an Epis-
copal, Presbyterian and a Methodist house
of worship, but have not found Congrega-
tional church yet. But believe there m us
be some here. II has gratihed me to know
that there is Presby terian church here and
found comfort in listening to your pastor
this morning. In regard to the work in Ohio
it is similar to the work here, but what is
particularly noticeable there is that there are
so many vacant pulpits. The people there
are wonderful travellers, moving about from
place to place. / remember of seventeen
families being dismissed a. one time from
one church on account of moving to differ
ent locality. The great want in Ohio is of
the spirit of God in the hearts of the peo-
pie. When I look out on this mass
of university buildings / think to
myself what an influence this college should
have on this city. They should fill every
hall, proclaiming the glad tidings of redemp-
ton for the lost. Yet, find that the diff
ferent denominations find plenty of work to
do here. 1 am reioiced to see the Presbyte-
rians and Methodists meeting together in
commenoration service this evening. What
we all want is nearness to Christ, and we
can only get it by showing out this brotherly
love to each other.
Rev. Mr.. Baird of the Third Methodist
church said he was glad to be present this
evening. There were so many of his own
people present that he almost felt at home,
IL you ever find q Methodist, who is bigot,
you will find an anomaly, for Methodism is
the very antipode of bigotry: One of the
Oldest Methodist churches of this city comes
to greet this young Presbyterian church on
this its third anniversary. I am indeed glad
to meet the Presbyterians here this
evening. AS regards church organiza-
tions I do not believe in organic
unity, and assert that no man in his sober
senses can think of it as practically possible.
am glad that you have had SO much pros
perity since you became a church and hope it
may continue. In the Masters name greet
you tonight as Presbyterians and as CO
workers with us in the Lords work. We
have all of us too much ecclesiastical red
tape in our churches. We want more of the
spirit of Jesus Christ amongst us and then we
will Know more what real unity means.