The Republican., 1891-10-02
DEDICATED TO GOD.
A RED LETTER DAY FOR OAK
LAND METHODISm.

Large 'CrOWdS-Eloquent sermons
-$2lOO Contributed - Everybody
Happy Mr.. Ralph Thaye Names
the New Edifice-A Handsome and
Commodious Structure.
Last Sabbath was a red letter day
in the history of Methodism in this
beautiful little mountain city. 1t
was the occasion of the dedication
of their new church edifice-
one of the handsomest buildings in
Western Maryland-an honor to
the church-a credit to the city.
When the hour of service had come
the house was filled by one of the
largest and most intelligent audi
ences ever assembled in Oakland.
The aisles were filled with chairs
and many persons were compelled
to stand.
The following ministers were
present: Revs. A. IL. Narcross, of
Pittsburgh, Pa; W. j. Sharpes,
presiding elder Of this district; Benz.
1son, d. D.; S. Alexander, Of the
Presbyterian church; G. E. Clark,
the pastor; DR.. King, of Washing
ton, d. c.; W. L. Leisher, of the
Lutheran church; J. NJ. Davis and
L. A. Rudisill, Superintendent of
the Park.
The services were introduced by
a voluntary by the choir, led by
Prof. VIM. Ii. Hagans. Presiding
Elder Sharpes read scripture les
son and DR.. lson lead in prayer.
At the close of the prayer the choir
sang an appropriate anthem. Then
followed the sermon by DR.. Mar
cross, whose text was "Now faith is
the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence Of things not SEEM
Heb. Ill. The sermon is one
which will long be remembered by
those who heard it. 1t was intellec-
tual and yet spiritual; it was simple
and clear, beautifully illustrated
and forcibly delivered. His several
points were clearly sustained and
full of interest. The speaker at
once secured the attention of the
large audience, and as he proceeded
with his discourse the interest in
creased. At times many of the au-
dience were moved to tears and the
older Methodists uttered "amen"
and "praise God" For an hour
the doctor had the undivided atten-
ton of his hearers. At 2:3O p. m.
a Sunday school meeting was held.
Revs. Clark, Rudisill and King
made short addresses. At 3 p. m.
a platform meeting was held and
addresses made by Elder Sharpes,
DR.. King, Miss Jennie Smith, Rev.
Clark and DR.. NarcrOss.
At 1870 p. m. DR.. Narcross de-
liyercd another soul-stirring sermon
from Gal. 1:3. As in the morning,
he entertained and instructed the
people. At the close of the sermon
the church was dedicated to the SER
vice Of God. Throughout the day
collections had been taken to pay off
the Indebtedness incurred by the
building committee. In the morn
ing service the sum of $1,000 had
been contributed-s2O00 was need
ed. At the night service 5000 more
was given, making s21OO for the
day. There had been doubts
whether such a large sum could be
raised in Oakland. Already had
the church members and the COM
munity subscribed $4,000 to the en-
terprise. Nobly did the people re-
spond to the call, not only Metho-
dists, but Presbyterians, Lutherrns,
Episcopalians, yes, both saint and
sinner gave literally.
Oakland rejoices in the compile
ton and dedication of this beauti-
full, comfortable and inviting house
of worship. 1t stands a monument
of Oakland's enterprise and benev-
olence.
The work of building the edifce
was commenced last June. The
contractors were Spedden & Bolden.
The building is gothic in style, 55x
II feet and throughout is model
of good workmanship and stability.
The auditorium has a seating capac-
ity of 300 and is furnished with
opera chairs and is carpeted. 1t is
cozy and inviting room. South
of the auditorium is the Sunday
school room with over 100 chairs.
East of this room is the infant class
room with seating capacity of 60
ormore. These rooms are connected
with the auditorium by folding
doors and whenever needed can be
used as one room.
The church is a frame building,
sheathed and weatherboarded. 1t
has double floors. The rooms are
wainscoted up to the windows. The
windows are stained glass and of a
beautiful pattern. Tbe ceilings are