Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-05-24
THE PRESIDENT AT OvERBROOK.
He Makes an Address to the Mcmbe Of
the Presbyterian Assemblies.

A highly Interesting event was the reception
rendered by Mr.. and Mrs. wistar Morris to tne two
general assemblies OF the Presbyterian Church and
President and Mrs. Cleveland at Overlook, near
Philadelphia, yesterday afternoon. The President
and Mrs. Cleveland arrived at Overlook early In
the afternoon. The members OF the two general
assemblies arrived soon after Conspicuous
among the members OF the Southern assembly
were Representatives J. Randolph Tucker and
breckenridge, OF Kentucky, lay delegates The
delegates, over I'VE hundred In number, gathered
on the lawn In front OF the Morris residence, and
as the President and Mrs. Cleveland came out on
the portico there was burst OF cheering. The
President was accompanied by the host, Mr.. Nor
ris, Rev. ChaS. Wood, Moderators Thompson and
BullocS and other officers Of the two assemblies.
Beside Mrs Cleveland stood Mrs. Norris Mrs.
Wood, and Mrs Thompson. Mrs Cleveland wore
black tulle with a black lace nat and gold TRIM
Mrs Cleveland In a brief address, and the Presi-
dent replied as follows:
THE PRESIDENTS ADDRESS.
81 am very much gratihed by the opportunity
here afforded me TO meet the representatives Of
the PresOyter Church Surely O man never
should never lose his interest in the welfare OF
the church In which he was reared; and yet will
not ind fault with any OF you who deem It a sad
confession made, when acknowledge that must
recall the days now long past, to find my closest
relation TO the grand and noble denomination
which you represent. i say this because those
OF Us who inherit fealty to our church as / did,
Presbyterfans all the days OF our lives; and thus
II Is that the rgOrs OF our early teaching by which
We are grounded in our lasting allegiance are espe
eially vivid and perhaps the best remembered. The
attendance upon church service three times each
sunday and upon sabbath school during the noon
intermission may be irksome enough TO a boy Of
ten or twelve years OF age TO be well fixed In his
memory; but have never known a man who re-
GREETED these things In the years OF his maturity
ihe shorter catechfsn, though thoroughly studied
ana learned. was not, perhaps, at the time per-
fecty understood; and yet in the stern labors and
duties OK after life these are not apt to be the
worst citizens who were early taught what is
the chief end OF man. Speaking OF these things
and In the presence OF those here assembled, the
most tender thoughts crowd upon my mind-all
connected with Presbyterianism and its teach
ngs. There are present with me now memories
OF kind and affectionate father consecrated to
the cause and called TO his rest and his reward in
tne MID day or his usefulness; a sacred recollec
ton OF the prayers and pious love OF a sainted
mother, and q family circle hallowed and sancti-
lied by the spirit OF Prespyterianism.
81 certainly cannot help but express the wish
anu nope that the Presbyterian Church will al
ways De at the front in every movement which
vancement OF mankind In the turmoil and the
hustle OF every day life few are foolish enough
10 Ignore the practical value to our people and our
country OF the church organizations established
among US and the advantage OF Christian example
ana teaching. The field Is vast and the work
su1nc1ent 10 engage the efforts OF every sect and
denomination, but am inclined to believe that
the cnurch which Is most tolerant and conserva-
tive without loss or spiritual strength will soonest
uuu INC way W DtaTJS anu lnectlOlS OF the
people. While we may be pardOned for insisting
that our denomination is the best, we may, 1
thlnk, safely cOncede much that Is good to all
other churches that seek to make men better
81 am here To greet the delegates of two general
assemblies or tine Presbyterian Church. One is
called North and the other south The subject
Is TOO deep and intricate for me, but cannot help
wondering why this should be. These words SO
Tar as they denote separation and enhancement
should be obsolete. In the counses of the nation
and In the business OF the country they no longer
mean reproach and anita Onism. Even the soldiers
VINO fought for the North and for the south are
restored 10 fraternity and unity. This fraternity
ana this unity are taught and enJoined by our
church. When Shall she herself be united with all
the added strength and usefulness that harmony
and union ensured"
The President was frequently applauded and
MS references TO the question OF union and fellow
snip were greeted with cries of Good 7" and 'Hear!
Heart! from members or both assemblies MOdera-
tor Bullock offered prayer, the doxolOgy was sung
anu Moderator thompson pronounced the bene-
dlctlon Then the members Of both assemblies
crowded 10 the porch and were introduced to the
PRESIDENT and his wife, who greeted all with a
snake OF the hand In the evening reception to
the members OF the two assemblies was given in
the Academy OF Fine Arts.
Inc President and Mrs. Cleveland were present
and were accorded an ovation from the big crowd
that nlled the spacious edfice. Mrs Cleveland re-
manned as the guest OF the wife OF the Rev. Charles
Wood, OF Germantown, and will go to New York
Friday ~