The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1891-05-25
Gospel MlasIon.

1eSLerday the. l3sn anniversary OF the
Gospel Mission Sunday.School was observed.
At 10 q. m, conference Of the pastor, teach
| ers and scholars was held and methods con-
sidered for the advancement of this special
branch Of the work, that II may be increased
during the coming year. At 3 o'clock Rev
5. +. Pearson preached very helpful SER
mon, in which he endeavOred to point out
many OF the hindrances and discourage
ments connected with mission school and
offered many suggestions which, If followed
out, would infuse new life and give increased
interest.
In the evening the anniversary exercises
consisted Of very interesting and instruct
i've programme, arranged by Mrs. and Miss
Pearson. The platform was very tastily
decorated, and long before the hour an
nounced for the exercises hundreds were
turned away from the doors for want Of
room.
The services were opened by a song ser
vice, which was entered into with will by
the large audience present, after which Rev.
Mr.. Pearson read appropriate selections of
Scripture and offered a fervent prayer of
thanksgiving for the blessings Of another
year OF prosperity.
Mrs. Pearson, treasurer Of the.school, rend-
cred her financial report, showing receipts
OF S122.G9. an increase Of S16.6S over last
year, and expenditures of S109.55, largely
for clothing, shoes, etc.
Mrs. Pearson very kindly thanked the
teachers and scholars for the deep interest
they had manifested In the finances Of the
school.
Rev. Mr.. Pearson, who has acted as su-
perintendent of the school for the past year
rendered the following report;
Another year In the history of the Gospel
Mission Sunday school is now closed, and /
feel quite sure that the results of our Efforts
In this branch Of the work must be gratify-
ing indeed. Our school now numbers 1874
scholars and 10 teachers. The largest atten-
dance during the year was 104, the smallest
number present was q. While much sick
ness has visited the members of the school
we have not lost single teacher or scholar
by death. Three hundred and twelve visits
have been made by Mrs. and Miss Pearson
upon the parents and scholars and kind care
and treatment given In sickness. We have
received and distributed 257 garments of diff
ferent kinds, which have proved great bless
ings In many cases during the extremely se-
we're winter months. In July the scholars
and parents numbering about 800, went upon
their annual picnic to Long Island. Album
dance Of chowder, lemonade and other re-
freshments were provided, and the occasion
truly proved to be gala day for the par
ticipants. At Christmas time the festival
was enjoyed. Four large trees were furn-
ished Tor the occasion, and under the watch
full care Of the Ladies' Circle. assisted by
Capt. n. @. Davis, Capt. Benz. Webster,
Frederick Fox, Ira F. Clark. l.. ID. Austin,
Fred Wiley and Mrs. PaysOn, the branches
were loaded with nearly 1000 different arti-
cles, so that nothing was lacking to make
merry the hearts Of the expectant ones. At
the union picnic Mr.. A. G. Dewey very
kindly remembered several of our scholars
who desired to attend and provided them
with tickets.
In closing the report Mr.. Pearson paid a
touching tribute to the memory Of the late
Ira f. Clark, who had ever proved himself
friend indeed to the Gospel Mission Sunday
School.
Mr.. Pearson returned his heartfelt thanks
to teachers. scholars and friends for their
aid and encouragement to the work and Of
fered an earnest prayer for Gods favor In
the future.
WIlIIston vesper Service.
The vesper services at Willlston church
appear to attract the same attention that
those of the Arlington street church do in
Boston. The musical programme last
evening was an excellent one from some of
the best composers Of sacred music. Miss
Ida KING Tarbox and Miss Katherine NJ.
Kicker each received the devoted attention
which always accompanies fine solo singing
The pastor, Rev. Mr.. Pratt, preached an ex-
cellent discourse on "rhe Iightful places Of
young people In society,"" answering the
question: "Who shall fill the vacancies con-
stantly arising 10 church, state, science and
literature?"
Notes.
Rev. Mr.. Bicknell, former pastor of the
Church Of the Messiah, preached to a large
congregation yesterday morning, taking for
his text "Thy VIII Be Done"
There were two large congregations AZ tha
First Presbyterian church on Park street
yesterday afternoon and evening, when Rev.
Mr.. Robinson. the uew pastor, Commenced
his ministrations with the parish, Both nj
his sermons were able efforts. 'A
The choir Of the Congress Souare charch
sang yesterday Tours God hath appointed
day." arranged for organ, violin and plano
and Miss Knight sang Gounod's AVE Ma.
ria. wltn violin Obligato. Miss Goodwin and
MISS Pnilbrook assisting.
Rev; Mr.. Hosmer Of Abingdon, Mass, oc-
cupi the First Parish pulpit yesterday.