Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1889-06-13

with opening anthem, ''Hark. Hark,
the Song" followed by prayer by Rev.
s. w. Beach, and the appended pro-
gram:
Music by the school, 80, Come and
Sing" Responsive scripture exercises
by the primary class; Music "Anni
versary Hymns Scriptural exercises
by the school; Music, ''Can little
child like me-" Following this the 25th
Annual Report, read by Mr. James J.
Reeves the present superintendent,
the report was II complete history of
the school from its origin and was
beautifully arranged. Space will
only permit us TO give some
historical points, although we regret
not being able to publish such an in
teresting report in it's @ntirety:-'Twen-
ty five years ago, the old session house
was removed from the N. E. corner of
Commerce and Pearl streets, to the
site of our present chapel. At this
time the schools were re-organized and
divided into three departments. For
many years the schools were superin-
tended by Judge L. Q. G. Elmer and
Uriah D. Woodruff. Judge John T.
Nixon assisted by Mr.. Henry B. Lup-
ton also superintended branches of the
school. During the entire quarter of
a century the financial management
of the schools has been in the hands
of Mr.. Robert M. Seeley. The first
Sunday School ever taught in this
county was held in Harmony Academy
in 1916, and was superintended by Gen.
Ebenezer Elmer. In a few weeks it
was removed to the old Presbyterian
church on Broad St.. thence to the
Court House, and in 1899 to the old
session house. The first public anni-
versary of this school was held in 1918.
The amount contributed by the schools
to benevolent objects during the quar-
ter of a century is $4,S ,S2723. The num-
Der of persons received into the church
from the Sunday School during that
period is 239. At the present time the
whole number of officers, scholars
and teachers is 1888, including i've
Cinnamon. During the past year four
have been removed by death. The
report contained full details of the Or
ganization of the West Presbyterian
Sunday School, which is a branch of
First Presbyterian.
Following this report came music by
the West Presbyterian School, The
Prince of Peace" after which Mr.. Ed.
M. Fithian, Superintendent of tie
West School, gave very interesting
talk on the way Sunday Schools were
held when he was a boy The pro-
gram called for an historical address,
but Mr.. Fithian said he would not at
tempt it after such a complete address
had been given by Mr.. Reeves, and
indeed, said he, it is not necessary. He
amused all by telling how, in the old
Presbyterian church. on Broad street,
he made the fires in the old template
stoves, which seemed to him to hold
quarter of cord of wood; also how it
was the ambition of the boys to climb
to the top of the high north window
and cut their names, but he did not say
whether he ever was successful or not.
Music, ''Sweet the Moments Rich in
Blessing" Short address by Rev. w.
H. Belden; music by the West Presby-
terian School, Golden Harps are
Sounding" Rev. S. w. Beach then
made few interesting remarks, fol-
lowed by music, "Oh we are Volun-
teers." A collection was taken up for
the East Side Chapel, and nice sum
was realized. Doxology and Benedic-
tion and the interesting exercises of
Children's Day was over
FOURTH M. E. CHURCH.
The Children's Day services were
held in the Fourth M. E. Church in
the evening. The edifice was elabor-
ately trimmed with flowers, while the
scene was enlivened by the sweet sing
ing of birds. The children, who had
been we'll drilled, went through the
program of singing and recitations in
a most creditable manner.
With these general descriptions,
Children's Day services may be COM
pretended as they were conducted in
all the churches.
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN.
Communion services were held in
the Second Presbyterian Church Sun
day morning, at which occasion SS
new members were taken in. The
front part of the church was beauti-
fully decorated with plants and flow
ers. The evening service was devoted
to the children, and the pastor, Rev.
Beadle, spoke in most betitting
style. The special music for the oc-
casion was an important feature.
CENTRAL M. E. CHURCH.
Children's Day has for years been
one of the features at this church. and