Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-14
ONE HUNDRED YEARS.
Celebrating the Service Theological
Seminary's Centennial.
SEVERAL STATES REPRESENTED
Among the Hundreds Who Thronged the
Old Log Building.
CURIOUS CHANGES EFFECTED By TIME
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INDUSTRY, PA. August 13 The roads
leading to Service, in Raccoon township,
Beaver county, were filed this evening with
crowds going to the centennial anniversary
of the Service Seminary. People gathered
on the grounds early in the afternoon, and
toward night hundreds had arrived from
places miles around. The south side of
Beaver county was largely represented,
while visitors came from points all over the
neighboring States. The exercises took
place about mile from the site of the old
seminary.
As the hour for the beginning of the SER
vice drew near countless number of teams
arrived on the spot, and as each one drove
on the church grounds the occupants were
closely scanned by anxious spectators look
ing for distinguished visitors who had
been invited to the anniversary. Presi-
dent Harrison was expected by some
but a careful scrutiny of the arrivals
failed to show the Chief Magistrate.
Shortly before 7:30 o'clock, the time ap-
pointed for the opening of the exercises, a
little breeze of excitement was created by
the arrival Of an ancientlooking turnout
filled with rollicking crowd of boys and
girls, who imbibed the spirit OF the occa-
sion. ..
A HAPPY CROWD.
They rolled down the dusty country road
in a rumbling old cart that bumped over
the stones in reckless fashion behind a
yoke of fy-up-the-creek oxen who, as
James W. Campbell remarked, were in a
hurry to get there in time.
The interior of the Service Church, where
the celebration was held, was pro-
fusely decorated with handsome
flowers tastefully arranged. Beauti-
full roses formed prett6 decorations
on the rostrum. Among those present were
Rev. Alexander Young, D. D., of Alle-
gheny; Rev. j. D. Irons, Of Muskingum
College, and Rev. John McNaughter. Rev.
Samuel Collins is expected tomorrow.
Rev. w. j. Golden. the present pastor of
the Service Church and who was instru-
mental in arranging the centennial, was
then elected Chairman of the meeting by
the large congregation present. Rev. W.
D. Lyons was elected to act as Secretary.
Rev. D. S. Littell, D. D., of Pittsburg,
was introduced. He entertained the audi
ence with an interesting history of the con-
gregation from its organization to 1852.
Among other things he mentioned the great
progress made by the church and referred to
the curious old-fashioned furniture which
has undergone vast changes with the march
of time. Rev. Mr.. Littell is a descendant
of one of the oldest families that number
themselves among the members of the
church.
oLD-TIME STORIES.
Following this it was intended to have
fve-minute speeches from different members
present, but owing to the lateness Of the
hour it was decided to postpone the speak
ing until to-day. when some interesting
"reminiscences of the old theological semi.
nary will be told.
now living who can tell some strange stories
c. Betsey Smith. They were baptized by
theological seminary on the Western
ship. Other older members are Ross
Taggart and wife, Joseph Campbell and
wife, John McClester and wife and the
Ewings and Smiths. also the descendants of
older Shlllitoes and Littells and Robertsops
who came through the pastorate of Rev. DIR.
McAlwell and Rev. DR.. Carson, OF long
ago. They all still worship in the same con-
gregation under the pastorate Of Rev. DR..
Golden. .-- -...--.
The meeting adjourned without any
further business to meet this morning at 10
o'clock. Rev. D. v. Carson will give the
1852 to August 10. 1890, followed by FIVE
minute speeches from some of the Oldest
members.
A history of the old seminary is given on
another page. BANNER.