The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1889-06-14
THE SOCIAL CHURCHES.
Entertainments in All Parts
of the City Last
Night.
RECEPTION TO PASTOR GRANT.
Rose Sociable in st. Paul's--.Pa
Festivities at the Bergen Re-
formed--Strawberries and Cream
Elsewhere. N

Pastor William D. Grant, of the South
Bergen Reformed Church, was happy
man last night. He had reason to be, for
the congregation cordially welcomed him
as the pastor of the church.
Pastor Grant but recently succeeded the
Rev. William Vaughn to the pulpit of this
church, and last Sunday he preached his
first sermon The members liked it, and
were pleased with him. To show their
appreciation, and their desire to make the
reverend gentleman feel ''at home
among them, it was arranged that an in
formal reception should be given him last
night. Everyone was pleased with this
idea, and everyone lent a willing hand to
assist in the preparation.
The consequence of this was that last
night the church was almost transformed
into something else. Its plain, staid and
solemn appearance had been frightened
wonderfully by huge baskets of beautiful
flowers and tasteful decorations. In this
church chairs are used, instead of pews.
These chairs were arranged in a way best
calculated to suit an informal gathering
that is in an informal manner. The large
folding doors that lead to the lecture
room were opened and that room was
filled to oyerftowing with ice cream, cake.
lemonade and other goodies.
After the pastor had been welcomed
heartily by all and he had expressed his
great pleasure for this hospitable well
come a short programme was carried out.
A duet, 'tWelcome Song" was Sweetly
sung by Mrs T. Vandeyere aud Mrs. Will
lam Cabin; solo by Samuel Collins was
well rendered, and Master Howard Long,
the famed soprano in Trinity Church
choir, sang couple of solos which de-
lighted all. Mrs Thomas Middleton also
aided greatly in making the programme
success. Among others who had been
invited were the Revs. Messrs. Brett, Eli
son, Meeker, Bruce, Muir, Duryea, Cronln
and Blight. The most of these gentle
men were compelled to remain away be-
cause of matters in their own churches.
The evening was passed delightfully."-
and all the stiffness attached to formal
reception was avoided, and only comfort
and pleasure were sought. At about half
past ten o'clock the refreshments We're
disposed of in the most approved fashion
and each guest was supplied with Jap
anese napkin. 1t was a pleasant recep-
tion and pastor and flock said good night
regretfully.
Pastor Eakin's Great Speech.
Simpson Methodist Church was anon g
those that held strawberry festivals last
night. In every sense of the word it was
big and little, young and old, had all the
y
that could be desired.
The exercises, ice cream and berrie s
were disposed of in the base ement OF the
church, which presented gala day APP
pearance. The benches had been so ar
ranged that they formed a semi circle,
which enabled all to see and hear what
took place ON the platform.
Near the centre of the right hand side
of the church was table on which was
temptingly displayed candies, bananas,
oranges and other sweets, besides large
number of little fancy articles and other
attractive trifles. This was guarded with
much vigilance by the Mrs. Charles Cum
Eugene Sutherland. These ladies wore
white gowns made tastefully, and they
were much admired.
Pastor Eakins when every one had got
to the church, greeted them all, and then
announced that Master Olin Eakins
would play piano solo. The youth, with
out the least appearance of embarrass-
ment,, stepped to the piano on the side Of
the platform, and with a firm hand and
delicate touch, interpreted a selection from
Beethoven Ten little girls dressed like
Washerwomen, succeeded Master Eakins
in an endeayor to entertain. They sang q
housekeeping song in a pretty, childish
manner that was very enticing.
Master Fred Decker played a violin
SOLO, dCCOIl pdlllCst uS liAS oiotCis MISS 4hdl
Decker, on the piano. The music was
sweet and the execution good. Master
Fred was encored. Miss Snedeker closed
the programme with recitation and an
encore. She recitated Peggy in the Low
Backed Car" and the EFF Child' when
recalled. She displayed considerable tai
ent
II told you when we began had a
speech to make,' said Mr.. Eakins, with q
smile on his face as soon as Miss 5nedeker
had been escorted to her seat, land now
am g 1ing to make it, 1t will be brief and
to the point Here it is:-I4et us go to the
lecture room and have our fill of straw
berries, ice cream, lemonade and cake;
that's all. "
The pastor was loudly applauded for
this enticing invitation, and his speech
was voted to be the best of the evening.
All adjourned to the tables laden with
good things, and not one left until their
capacities refused to permit further on
slaught on the cream and berries. 1t was
quite late when the fair was over and re-
luctantly all went to their homes, for they
were having too good time to desire to
leave the church.
BY the Ladies of st. Peters Church.
The strawberry festival and fair which
ing in Grand street Hall for the benefit of
the new building which the Sisters of
Charity will erect on Grand street, went
merrily on last evening.
The large hall was taxed to its utmost
capacity to accommodate the large throng
MERCHANTS PILLS act IKE magic on weak stomach