Springfield daily republic. [volume] (Springfield, O. [Ohio]) 1887-1888, 1888-05-24

PHILADELPHIA, May 2i-The centennial
celebration of the Presbyterian General
Assembly began yesterday afternoon with
a reception at the Oyerbrook Homestead OF
Mr.. and Mrs. Wistar Morris. where the
President and Mrs. Cleveland were enter
tanned, together with the Commissioners
from the Northern and Southern General
Assemblies of the Presbyterian Church.
The President and Mrs. Cleveland reached
Overlook about $3.50 p. m, where they
were met by Rev. and Mrs. Charles Wood,
of Germantown, and were Immediately
conducted to the residence where the
reception was held. They were followed
shortly afterwards by the Commissioners of
the Southern Assembly, who also came on
q special train from Baltimore. The recep-
ton took place between 4 and O'Clock.
The delegates were welcomed by short
speech by Mr.. Morris. Rev. DIR. Bullock,
the Moderator of the Southern Assembly,
an ex Chaplain of the United States Senate,
offered prayer.
President Cleveland then made an ad-
dress as follows: ! am very much gratitied
by the opportunity here afforded me to
meet the representatives OF the Presby-
terian Church Surely man should never
lose his interest in the welfare of the
church in which he was reared; and yet
will not find fault with any of you who
deem il a sad confession made, when | must
recall the days now long past to find my
closest relation to the grand and noble de-
nomination which you represent. say
this because those of us who inherit fealty
to our church as | did, begin early to
learn those things which make us presby-
terisns all the days of our lives; and thus
it is that the rigors of our early teachings
by which we are grounded in our lasting
o,all ,,I -
the best to remember. The attendance
upon church service three times each Sum
day and upon Sabbath School during the
noon intermission may be irksome enough
to boy of ten or twelve years OF age to be
we'll fixed in his memory; but have never
known a man who regretted these things in
the wears of maturity. The shorter cate
chism, though thoroughly studied and
learned, was not perhaps at the time per-
fectly understood, and yet in the stern Ia
bors and duties of after life, those are not
apt to be worst citizens who were early
taught "What is the chief end of man."
Speaking of these things and in the pres
ence of those here assembled, the most
tender thoughts crowd upon mind-ail
connected with Presbyterianism and its
teachings. There are present with me now
at memories of a kind and atfectionate
father consecrated to the cause. and called
TO his rest and his reward in the mid day Of
his usefulness; sacred recollection of the
prayers and pious love of sainted mother.
and family circle hallowed and sanctified
by the spirit of Presbyterianism.
/ certainly cannot but express the wish
and hope that the Presbyterian Church
will always be at the front in every move
ment which promises the temporal as well
as the spiritual advancement of mankind.
l., ka tur,,nI and hnStla of do
life, few men are foolish enough to ignore
the practical value to our people and our
country of the church organizations es.
tablished among US, and the advantage of
Christian example and teaching
The field is vast and the work sufficient
to engage the efforts of every sect and de-
nomination; but am inclined to believe
that the church which is most tolerant and
conservative without loss of spiritual
strength will soonest find the way to the
hearts and affections of the people. While
we may be psrdoned for insisting that our
denomination is the best, We may, think
safely concede much that is good to all
other churches that seek TO make men
better.
lam here to greet the delegates Of swo
General Assemblies of the Presbyterian
Church. One is called North" and the
other south" The subject is too deep
and intricate for me, but l cannot help
wondering why this should be. These
words, so far as they donate separation and
enlargement should be absolute. In the
the counsels of the Nation and in the busi-
ness of the country, they no longer mean
reproach ard antagonism. Even the sol
diers who fought for the North and for the
South are restored to fraternity and unity.
This fraternity and unity is taught and en-
,ain hv rhrrch Whan shall ahA