The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-12-20
CHESTNUT STREET REUNION.
A House Warming at the New vestry
Last Night.
Words of Welcome and Letters From
Friends and Former Pastors.

The members of Chestnut Street church are
very proud OF their remodeled vestries, and they
ought to be. Sunday the elegant quarters were
formally consecrated 10 religious worship and
Bible study, and last evening occurred the dedi-
cation for social purposes, which was certainly
very enjoyable occasion. The festivities began
early and shortly latter six, a large number were
enjoying the bounteous supper provided. The
cheer of the bright surroundings seemed to give
vigor to the appetite, as the bustling young lady
walters realized by the many demands made.
Rushing to and fro, their laughing, happy faces
formed one of the pleasant features, always ready
as they were to seek the hiding salt or the far-of
butter. Once the tables were spread and again
they had to be prepared before all had been sup
piled, $50 or more partaking of the good things
offered.
All this time people had been coming in, and
when the entertainment opened probably nearly
400 were in the room. Future socials will be
held in the place. often, no doubt, but at none OF
them can there be more rejoicing,Isuch genera
feeling of enthusiasm. Special efforts were made
TO make the occasion memorable and invitations
extended to all the ministers Of the city as well as
all former pastors of the church now living
Among those present were Rev. A X. P. Small,
Rev. j. NJ. Frost, Rev. J. Crosser, Rev. F. t.
Bayley, Rev. ID. b Randall and Rev. Mr.. Patter-
son of this city, Rev. L. II. Bean of South Port
land. Rev. W. s. Jones of Woodfords and Rev.
Israel Luce of South Berwick.
After prayer by the presiding elder of the dis
trict, Rev. w. S. Jones, Mr. w. W. Cole. for the
committee on repairs, presented report showing
the total cost OF remodelling to have been about
$4,000, of which only $1,000 was owing. Ms.
Fellowss solo, which followed, was literally ap-
plauded. as it so well deserved.
Rev. DR.. whitaker then introduced Presiding
Elder Jones, who said he felt he was resting
smiles and looking up into her face with some de-
gree of satisfaction, rejoicing that even though
| She may in some measure be in her old sge, she
sin retains the vgor of her youth and the beauty
of her maidenhoOd. At this late time OF hei life,
so to speak. this saurcn Is maniiestlng 1nsI @ sne
he went forth from under her wing to preach the
Gospel, and he has been rejoicing In the work
| bonds of relationship. Beauty and strength 20
| together here, and as he saw the great improve
men5s ns o i6e eSdre o his church he fet Thankful
| tnat she was doing so much for humanity, that
she is still center of light and source OF power
to the community.
| Rev. DIR. Small remarked that he had received
/ an idea that he had free ticket Some of the
| railroads give ministers passes, but on the back
OF them he had noticed conditions that only SO
| much baggage could be allowed, Now you may
search me all over and you cannot find that have
| brought ten cents worth of theological or seenti
| fc luggage. Some time ago considerable was said
| against some of the uses OF church apartm nts
inent ministers did not like 1t. From several Ol
/ these same ministers we have recently seen testi
monies heartily giving thanks & to God i that ths ?,
| be so delightfully."- solved. The speaker closed
with an earnest exhortation for the guidance Of
i the young people in the right way, ana congrat
| ulated the society on its fine quarters.
Rev. L, Luce former pastor, said he had been
| told he was the only pastor Of the old church who
had returned to express congratulations. But
| how could he represent the grand old men who
| repressible man, who built the church; NJ. Ridg
| away, that gentle, gentlemanly Christian
apk that wrSeEGt peeEess Minister M asn one
the earliest workers, still young in his Feelings
buoyant In his hopes; MIR. Keyes, who passed
| for Jesus; Mr.. Jones, now at Evanston. ILL.,, still
stalwart, earnest and true; Mr. Day that magni
IN uPaysi9IS Sm ana So N al sptsa NE ne @
Keown; the inimitable Bashford; and need sol
speak of the pastor you have now because his
with these men. Names have changed since
was with you. call you as formerly, but get nc
answer. Some have not changed. The names Of
| twenty years ago are the names Of tonight. We
| had hoped il might be otherwise, but after all
rather admire those who do not change theil
by so doing. aud do well to hold fast to what they
S;S yestEy: .na i prstssr ssS xon TIM "
| Olu Ono was anu i Eldu you UaQ tnt
spirit and enterprise TO build It. aln pleased yor
have the young people so interested, not only ii
| the church but IN each other First thing vol
know these young people will DI
marrying among themselves and / am GLAD
| OF il.
Rev. D. B. Randall was happy IN his remarks
He gave interesting recolleetions of the past sait
he offered the prayer at the dedication OF III,
| church, and that he had known Portland Method
ism Intimately for SO years. Sometimes We hay'
| TO take landmark to see whether body Is NOV
ing. Not so with your church. congratulate yol
that you have so able, efficient and successful
| pastor.