The Portland daily press., 1891-03-28
NEW CHURCH DEDICATED.
The New Home OF the Second Ad-
yentIsts Opened Yesterday.

1t was quite an event in the history OF the
Second Adventists in this city-the dedlca-
tlon OF the first church building the services
OF which occurred yesterday. The church
Is very pretty little one, approaching the
Gothic In style, capable of seating between
800 and 400. land located In Congress place.
1t is furnished with comfortable pews of an
tique oak. and its aisles are carpeted with
carpets of neat design. Pots of beautiful
Easter lilies made the air almost too heavy
with their perfume, and pots of Towering
cedar. hydrangea and hyacinths made very
artistic combination of floral display.
The services In the afternoon began with
the Doxology, followed by responsive read.
Ing, Psalm lxxxiv. by Rev. Rufus Wendell of
Lafayette. r. |. Rev. Frank Burr of Boston
offered prayer, after which the congregation
sang the hymn, "Great King of Glory"
Rev. Mr.. Woodward, the pastor, gave a
short address, prefacing 1t with letter from
Rev. DR.. Hill of the First Parish, regretting
that illness prevented his presence. Mr..
Woodward said that he came to this city
three years ago next June. with the inten-
tion of having a church built. He briefly
spoke of the encouragements and discour
agements. 1t is now a blessed reality that
we have home of our own. Forty years
this church has walked through the wilder
ness, and 1t remains with us whether it is a
blessing for us. It'll grand inspiration for
all coming time; an opening up and widen
ing of the field of labor which has been
somewhat restricted. In closing his re-
marks, he said that all his ambitions had
centred into one-to WORK for the Master as
God Himself may direct.
Rev. E. A. Stockman of Boston, former
pastor, was the next speaker. He expressed
his pleasure at the growth of the society.
Rev. Frank Burr, also former pastor, ex-
pressed his happiness at coming here to
Portland on such an occasion. BE spoke of
his service among this people and the many
changes that had taken place, and referred
feelingly to those who had been taken. This
church, ne said. has not reached its resting
place; it has only reached its working place.
You have built this house to have the gospel
disseminated. The Lord loveth cheerful
giver, tand you won't be any poorer for the
sacrifices you have made.
Rev. l. G. Welcome of Yarmouth said that
for more than forty years he had been urg-
ing this people to locate and build house of
worship for working for the Lord, and re-
joiced that he met with them today In this
beautiful church.
Other brief addresses we're male by Rev.
Mr.. Tracy of Biddeford and Rev. Mr.. Wal
lace of Westbrook and congratulations were
extended by Rev. e. p. Wilson of Wood
fords Congregational church, Rev. MI. Cross
er of Park street Presbyterian church, and
Rev. Mr.. Paulson of the Scandinavian
church.
Rev. Mr.. Woodward, as chairman of the
building committee, gave detailed account
of what had been accomplished. July 10th,
1886, at the suggestion of brother from out
Of town. 500 was placed in the bank as the
nucleus of church, and still remained in
the bank when he took charge of the work,
Last October the Hand was bought and paid
for, and work was begun on the building.
The cost Of the land and building is $S1O3.53
There is mortgage Of $250O upon it. paya-
BILE In seven years, and la floating debt Of
nearly $500. This is exclusive of the pews
and carpets, which the sisters of the church
have taken upon their shoulders to pay, and
which amounted to $S1O3 50, but which they
have reduced to $5S62O.
Rev. Rufus Wendell then introduced the
subject of the floating debt in such happy
manner that 1921 were realized by sub
scriptioDs any collections.
The hymn "Blest be the tie that binds"
was sung, and the benediction closed the SER
vices for the afternoon.
In the evening every seat was occupied.
many people were standing up and many
more were unable to gain admittance. After
the Doxology, invocation was pronounced
by Rev. o. HI. Wallace of Westbrook. and
the Scriptures were read by Rev. W. H.
Mitchell Of Kennebunkport.
The hymn, "Happy the church, thou sa
cred place." was sung, after which Rev. E.
A. Stockman of Boston. Mass, preached a
very edifying sermon from Timothy ELL.
The dedicatory prayer was offered by Rev.
Frank Burr. The hymn, 20, Thou, Whose
own vast temple stands" was sung.
Subscriptions and collections amounting
to 1927 were then taken.