Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1891-11-14
WARM WELCOME.
TEE PASTORS FAMILY OF TIN FOURTH STREET
METHODIST CHURCH OODIALLY RECEIVED.
4. ]. 0larks Delivers the Address Of Wslcons and
Dr.. Rik.r Neatly Responds-0thT
Features Of the Bvsning-A Joyous
Assemblags

Last evening there was joyous as
semblage in the vestry Of the Fourth
Street Methodist Church. DIR. A. b.
Riker, the new pastor, together with
his family, was formally ushered into
the good graces and friendship OF the
congregation, individually and collec-
lively. DR.. Riker's family arrived here
from Chattanooga only within the past
day or two, and the opening OF their
sojourn here was made pleasinely au-
spicious. by the warm and cordial re-
ception of last evening, There was a
large outpouring of the members OF the
church, and at the hour OF opening the
exercises the vestry was almost COM
pletely filled. There were large and
frequent groups engaged in merry con-
versation throughout the large room,
being not only flattering to the new head
of the church, but an evidence OF un-
tagging zeal and earnestness OF the
members In their labors and devotion
to the principles Of Methodism.
Mr.. O. P. Mckee presided over the
preliminary exercises, and made a few
opening remarks, which were we'll re-
ceived. G. w. Atkinson, Esq, offered
prayer, after which came chorus sing
ing, conducted by Prof. M. M. Smith.
Mr.. A. j. Clarke then mounted the
platform and made the address or well
come, which was well said. He referred
feelingly to the tender relations that
had already begun to spring up be-
tween pastor and people during the
short union, and assured DR.. Riker and
his family that they would ever be held
in reverent and affectionate consider
alton; that they would ever find the
members willing and ready to assist
the new pastor in all his Christian en-
beavers. The address was heartily re-
ceived.
DR.. Riker feelingly responded, and
said that the thoughts that had already
been expressed were indeed encourage
ment at the outset, and he should strive
to deserve them. He felt deep interest
in the work, and trusted that all desir-
ing information, or having any suggeS-
tions to make, would feel no hesitancy
in approaching him, as he would be glad
to meet any member OF the church at
any time. AS he had before stated he
was particularly interested in the well
fare Of the young, and trusted he would
become well acquainted with them all In
his sojourn. The response was apt, and
deeply impressed the audience not only
from it's eloquence, but from the signlfi-
canoe of the thoughts contained therein.
At the conclusion Of the response a
duet was rendered by Mrs. Frank Stan
ton and Miss Kate Lamb, after which
all present were regaled with choice re-
freshments, and the remainder of the
evening was spent in delightful inter-
course, In which the beloved pastor and
his family became more intimately ac-
ouainted with the large body Of hearty
CO workers.
The reception was given under the
auspices Of the Ladies' Aid Society, the
Kings Daughters and the Epworth
League.
The reception committee consisted OF
Frank Cartwright, Miss Emma Fowler,
]. Elwood Hughes. Mrs. w. d. johnson,
Will Dolen, Jr., Miss Kate Lamb and
Miss Eliza Mills.
The music committee consisted OF
Misses Minnie Hickey, Abbie Ratcliff,
Kate Dean, Birdie Chapman, Mrs. John
Shellhase, Mrs. Harry Travis, Mrs. W..
w. Mcclellan and James Perry.
The refreshment committee consisted
OF Misses Della Goodwin, Jessie Worls,
Bessie Carothers, Mary Meek, Will Nc
Kee and b. Nay.