The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1891-02-14
WELCOMING MIR. WELLS.
The Tabernacle Congrega-
tiOn Turns Out to Greet
the New Minister.

The Rev. J. Lester Wells, Pastor Scud-
der's new assistant, was given an en-
thusiastic reception by the Tabernacle
Church folks last evening. The lecture
rooms were decorated with flowers an d
bannerettes. The word "Welcome" be-
hind the desk was part Of the decora-
tions. Nearly all the prominent church
members were present and the young
people especially were numerous. Prom
lnent Ia Tue gathering were Mr.. and Mrs
William II. Turner, Mr.. and Mrs Horace
Waite, Mr.. and Mrs. George Grouse, Mr.
and Mrs. William Van keureu, Mr.. and
Mrs. W. J. Hunt, Mr.. and Mrs. Charles
Crosby, Mr: and Mrs. G. II. Ingersoll,
Prof. and Mrs. q. Stimets and Messrs
Bunce and Vance. Mr.. Wells was ac-
companied by his wife, as was also the
Rev. j. l.. Scudder.
The evening opened with singing. Then
the Rev. John l. Scudder congratulated
the congregation upon the acquisition of
man Of such long ministerial training
aud OF such large sympathiss as Mr..
Wells. He was hard worker aud an en-
thusiast in the work the Tabernacle had
been doing and was going TO do In this
city.
"Mr. Wells has n good name" said Mr..
Scudder. People have j0ked me about
possessing the same initials as those OF
John l.. Sullivan. Well, we have another
j. L. la the Tabernacle pulpit. The word
John means the gracious gift of God. As
to the two Johns Of the Tabernacle I be-
lieye my mission Is like unto that of John
the Baptist, to cut and TO slash into siu.
Mr.. Wells mission is like unto that of
Saint Johu who leaned upon the Saviour's
breast. he will receive an enthusiastic
welcome among our people. They are a
cordial hearty people. As Mr. Wells
people 10 Newark loved Dim so will the
people OF his new charge. And now.
frie nds, u have the pleasure OF introducing
you to St. John OF Newark"
Mr.. Wells thanked Mr.. Scudder tor his
hearty words. The word John, be
thought, meant sent of God He had
been sent Of God to Jersey City. Mr.
Wells said be had felt the leading OF
Gods providence from his early child
hood. Referring to his parting with his
people of Newark, he said he had Just
come from funeral 10 attend a wedding.
He questioned the right 10 throw of an
old love for new Que. But in this in
stance he was simply adding one love to
another. In coming to the Tabernacle to
work he felt that he had made a
big jump. 1t reminded him of the story
he had read Of a man who jumped aboard
the ferry boat as It was moving out OF the
slip. Tue jump was not more than a few
Acct. oub VIC iutiu Sltppcug duu blIlEklUZ
upon his head, was stunned until the
boat had put proaa0ly fifty feet between
herself and the bridge. "MY goodness, -
said the man, what d big jump madeP'
Mr.. Wells said he recognized Mr.. Scud-
der rs the earthly head of the Tabernacle
Caurch. He came merely as Mr.. Scud-
der's assistant. Yet after all there would
be but one man there. But this ne man
would have four hands, four feet, four
eyes, four ears and two hearts.
"We shall be, he said, "like the Siam
ese twins. With this difference, however,
while Mr.. Scudder is off in other parts OF
country begging money for the Peoples
Palace will be here upon the ground 10
see tnat the interests of the Tabernacle
are not neglected" Then Mr.. Wells took
Mr.. Scudder by the hand aud pledged his
loyalty tosthe Tabernacle and his deter
minatian 70 Work with all his soul aud
strength In the Tabernacle's interests.
pr ofessor Stimets. the superintendent
OF the Sunday School, and Mr.. Theodore
Parker. also made addresses of welcome.
Mrs. Scudder, the wife OF Pastor Scudder,
made witty and charming little speech
of welcome to Mrs. Wells, and con-
graduated the church upon having
another minister's wife. Refreshments
were served aud an hour was spent in
social intercourse. The new assista ut
and his wife returned to Newark pleased
with their reception. They will move to
Jersey City soon. Mr.. Wells will preach
in the Tabernacle tomorrow morning. In
the evening both he and the Rev. Mr..
ScudIer will make addresses on the sub
ject Of Peoples palaces aud the tenden cy
of large church corporations in the