Smyrna times., 1890-06-25
I'm. NE Gmiirnn Tfneg.
Bethel's BIG Day.


Sunday last was a great day at Bethel
church, perhaps the greatest in her
history. 1t was the occasion of receiV-
ing into full membership large class
of probationers, as the result Of the
great revival little more than six
months since. TheIpastor, Rev. Il. X.
Stephenson, had previously determined
and made preparation to put in full
day upon this important occasion:
The exercises of the day commenced
at half past nine with a general eXpe'
rience meeting, entered into with a
great deal of spirit, followed at hall
past ten by a sermon to the candidates
delivered by the pastor, full of thoughts
worthy of remembering and following
through life. At the close of the morn
ing services many persons who came
from distance resOrted to their lunch
baskets which they had brought with
them in real picnic style, and while
new and novel at a church service,
partook of social aspect that was
much enjoyed.
At half past l the services com
menced again with singing, which was
aided through the day, and grandly
too. by Mr.. Mcdaniel, cOrnetist, of
Wilmington. aPrayer being offered,
the pastor introduced Rev S. r. Max
well, of Leipsic, who gave short but
earnest talk with many hints that
would be useful in battling with life.
After singing again, Rev. w. w. w.
| Wilson, of Smyrna, was introduced,
| who gave a short but most happy talk
! and full of practical lessons for all
The ordinance of baptism then fol-
! lowed, four candidates presenting
themselves The pastor then proceed
ed to call the names of his large class
of probationers when sixty-siX
many of them heads of families.
crowded within the chanccl railing i'm
J the front and side aisles, as best they
could in a crowded church. The scene
here presented was as grand as it was
solemn. Few, if any, in the large
audience ever before bcheld so rich a
harvest of ingathering.
The pastor, who lahored so faithfully
for their salvation and since that event
has laborcd so diligently i'm giving
counsel and admOnitiOn from the pul
pit and in making pastoral visits, could
not do otherwise than exhibit a sup
pressed feeling of joy and gladness at
heart as they stood before him. an cvi-
dence of the great work he had
wrought at Bethel charge The fact
that in one hundred and eleven con
verts and in the intervening month,
the ranks being broken by removal,
and sickness, only two falling by the
wayside, leaving so many to be read il
full connection after term of pr0ha-
tion, is most remarkable.
Truly "Old Bethel" in fulfilling he
mission is entitled to be head in tn,
class. The pastor and membership ar,
working hand in hand in all churcl
enterprises and any motion made by
him is promptly seconded by them
Here, perhaps, is due the success.
After receiving this large class o
prObatiOners according to the ritual 0
the NJ. r. Church, the right hand o
fellowship was extended to them b.
the pastor, assisted by the Revs. VIII
son, Maxwell and the class leaders, +
NJ. Cooper, Dir. J. NJ. Smith and J. II
Anderson. The memorable services {
,, the day closed with the dOxology an
benediction.
4 collection was taken for the i'm
provements that had Just been mad
in the church for the Accommodate
+ of the audience and Sunday Schoo
which amounted to about 1925.
: In the address to the Drobatoners b
q the pastor prior to their reception int
q full membership, he made the follow
/, ing statement: members received o
J probation six months ago, lO4: rt
i, moved 10y certificate, S; removed Will
: out certificate, 4; continued on trial,
dropped, >; recommended. 80. Whe
the names were called G6 presente
themselves and were received. TT
other 16 will have an opportunity at
! similar meeting to be held at Seve
;" sons in July, or Clayton, in August.
:. The afternoon services were attenC
> ed by people living miles distant, an
y great many were unable to get
y the church. and remained outside
L groups and sitting In carriages,
; STELLA.
u Cheswold, June %, 1890.