The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1889-11-07

and this prosperity continues for several
years. The church built upon that stone,
representing congregation ofa church,
built on the foundation of Apostles and
Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being
the chief corner stone, was ready fol
divine worship within less than two
years, and was consecrated on August
3lst, 1881. OF this event we have the
report by the Bishop of the Diocese in
the following words
"On the 3lst, the adjourned conven
tion of Vermont met at Arlington. hen
their new and beautiful church was ded'
icated to God holy worship, in which
solemnity we were assisted by several
of our brethren from other States. 1t is
called St. James Church. and is built Of
stone, and though the parish is small al
the expense, 1t was said, ofno less thar
ten thousand dollars more than three
thousand of which / was informed, has
been very freely contributed by one gen
tleman. The next day, the Rev. Mr.
Perkins, their minister, was ordained
Priest. In all the services the ccngre
cations were very large"
The Rev. VIM. s. Perkins, who makes
the parochial report for that yer, states
that there were lI2 communicates. anC
adds that 1.-THE parish has never been il
more interesting condition. either tenn
porally or spiritually, than it is at pres
ent. The cost of the church, exclusive
of labor done by the Pensioners them
selves, of which no account has beer
taken, is estimated at ten thousand dol
lars, the whole of which is paid by the
parish"
Now, these are the records of a pas
day, telling of a noble work undertaken
by comparatively few persons, anC
carried through to successful termina
ton by their own efforts. There wa!
very little help to be obtained from be
yond their bounds, had they been desir
GUS of which, however, they seem no
TO have had any thought of attempting
There was fine pride and sturdy reso-
luton in those older members of ou
parish, and we should be proud of thei
spirit. And, moreover, we should en-
deavor most earnestly to continue tn,
life of that illustrious spirit of pride anC
liberality, so that in no respect should
our work, which represents the out
come of the efforts of nearly $50 com
municants, be less than that of the IL
communIcants of 1881. Whether thi
parish to-day has more or less wealtl
than of that day, possibly few could con
lecture, with any certainty. Whethe
the parish of to day has as much zeal ant
spirit of enterprise, and godIy ambition
perseverance and liberality as thos
worthy people had. we cannot tell
Were the work act before you of erect
| ipr, a Of n n thara hn
fore but plain wooden structure to,
small for the demands of the congrega
ton, / believe that the spirit of Got
would rule in your hearts as at that day
and a building embodying our reverenc
and love for the Almighty, and to the ut
most of our limit. worthy His honor
would be erected. But we have no sucI
work before us to-day. Our grant
house of God is already made for us, an,
it is our blessed privilege to enter eacl
Lords Day and worship and adore ou
Heavenly Father. Yet the work whicI
we have to do is just as vital to the well
being of our church, just as importan
as an element of our progress, and jus
as sure an indication of our true spirit
ual life-which Is the sustaining of thi
work. We who look back to that da
with pride at the work of our predeces
sors in this parish, must feel inspired I
do our share in a mighty work. w
who enjoy the fruits of their prayers an
labors must treasure it up, and transm
it safely to our successors. And we VIII
love the Lord Jesus must build as the
did, for the future, In the works of tn
parochial, and in the works Of our spirit
ual life, that all who follow US may ca
US blessed, and that In Gods day W
may have attained true blessedness.