The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1891-06-12
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
IT'S LOCAL HISTORY.
FAREWELL sERvIcEAr THE OLD CHURCH
THE NEW CHURCH.

II.
On Sunday last the Presbyterian
Congregation of Bloomsburg met in
their old church building for their last
regular service. Forty three years ago,
in September IS4S it was dedicated,
and divine service has been maintain
ed within it until the present time.
Though to day, seemingly antiquated
and contracted, it was, when erected
regarded as very handsome and con
venient. The plan was furnished by
M. L. Brun of Philadelphia an archit
ect of note in his day, and built at a
cost of over $4,000. The lowering Of
the grade Of the street in front, has
unduly elevated it, so that the steps,
then graceful, and surmounted by an
imposing pillared portico, now appear
disproportioned. Indeed the church
when built was as far in advance Of
any other in the vicinity, as is now the
new one. 1t was the pride of the pas
tor through whose unwearied efforts
and sacrifices it was erected, and the
cherished Sanctuary of the worshippers.
Hallowed memories cluster around
it, as the mind pictures the congrega-
ton which SO gladly entered and wor-
SHIPPED within its walls. 1t was to
many, both Gods earthly Court and
the gate way to Heaven. Forty three
years have removed most Of the fathers
and mothers Of that day, and their
children, now the fathers and mothers
occupy their places in the new Sanct-
uary. The building has become too
small for the congregation, for which
the new one will furnish increased &C
commodatlon. This thought was
suggested in the text from which the
sermon preached on last Sunday morn
ing. 1t was found in Isaiah 49:2o, and
pictured scene in the experience of
the church in the piophesied gospel
dispensation. "rhe children which
thou shalt have, after thou hast lost
the other, shalt say again in thine ears,
the place is too strait for me: give
place to me, that may dwell"
There is something deeply impress
sive in the closing services of an old
church. If the song of "The Old
Oaken Bucket" touches the heart of
scattered grown-up children with re-
miniscences of childhood scenes and
lost loved ones, no less do the children
of the church associate golden expert
ences of divine goodness and mercy
with the hallowed old walls. How
many were there dedicated to God in
baptism and afterwards publicly pro-
fessed their faith in Christi How
baptismal scenes, marriage ceremonies
and funeral obsequies mingle their as
sociations with the sacred spot! How
many of those who there joined in eel
ebrating the Sacramento Supper, have
since taken their places at the marriage
Supper of the Lamb Having seen
the power and glory of God, in the
yelled Shekinah of the earthly sanct-
uary, they have been admitted into
his immediate presence to behold the
unveiled glory of the King in his
beauty.
The exercises of last Sunday night
partook somewhat of the character of a
Memorial Service. DR.. Waller, under
whose pastorate it was erected, wfo
preached in it during the remainder OF
his active ministry, and who has since
worshiped in it as a member OF the
congregation, gave an address, in
which he told of the church's early his.
tory. AS he told of the old church
building on Third street superseded
by this one, of the members who then
encouraged and aided in the work,
some of whose names are only mem
ory, and Of others still represented in