Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1892-03-12
SURPRISING A MINISTER.
He is Welcomed Home Right Roy
ally by his Flock at Wesley
Chanel


When Rev Watson Case started IN
Prince George street last night on his
way TO Wesley Chapel he was probably
thinking only how 10 begin The exercis-
es Of the Young Peoples Society. Of
which he Is the president Mrs Case who
accompanied her husband. perhaps had
her thoughts In the same direction; mel
Their bad anticipated that a pleasant lit
tie incident in their lives was soon to
occur A young lady, who walked be-
side the pastors wife, however. was full
ly posted on the future event, and she
clung 10 the secret as tightly as she did
TO the arm of the person with whom she
was walking
Miss Lizzie Williams. as vice president
of the society and chairman of the COM
mittee having the surprise" in charge.
with other members of the committee
had purposely delayed the ever-prompt
pastor and bis lady from interfering
with their plans by keeping them away
from church until everything could be
arranged on the inside In the mean
time willing hands. guided by hearts fill
ed with joyful expectations were busy
putting finishing touches to an already
attractive interior. When the decora-
tions had been completed 1t was said the
church never looked prettier on any for
mer occasion What the artisan had
failed to accomplish in the line of deco
ration nature supplied, and lovely ported
plants and fragrant blooming roses, COM
bined 10 make the scene as pretty as
could be imagined. In the midst of this
charming picture, but hidden from view
for the present, was handsome scravon
portrait. life-size. of the popular pastor
of WesleyChapcl, faithful likeness exc
cuted in Shaeffer's best style The por-
trait, framed, rested on beautiful easel,
ornamented by bow of blue and yell
low ribbon. la tie foreground. banner
on which was Inscribed Welcome TO
Our Pastor" banked by plants, flowers
and eyergreens, made the scene a happy
one
| There was merry twinkle in the eve
OF the delighted pastor as he entered the
chapel shortly before eight o'clock and
proceeded up TIE right aisle Mrs. Case.
was. perhaps, the first of the two TO take
In the situation, for she cast an inquir-
| ing look at Der husband which became
mutual as the welcome" sign in front
of the altar doomed up in the distance
Furtiye glances exchanged between the
two ushers, Messls Cadell and Leitch,
| from the outside the arrival of the min
ister's party as ii passed up the avenue.
| also looked little suspicious The young
ladies chuckeled triumphantly to them
selves over the dece )tfon they had prac.
ticed on the pastor and his estimable la
dy, and the older heads of the church.
while smiling approvingly. wondered
how 1t was possible that the affair could
have been kept so quiet. In two things
the females had succeeded wonderfully
They had made their pastor happy by a
hearty, spontaneous welcome, and had
fully exploded the argument that wo-
| man cannot keep secret. 1t should be
put on record that for once secret has
been kept intact by number of the fair
sex.
The success of the entertainment was
largely due to Miss Williams, the vice
president of the society. who was assis-
led by other members of the congrega-
ton. Nearly all the beautiful flowers
used in the ornamentation of the church
came from the dollhouse of Mr. Jos. s.
Nj. Basil, who welcomed the pastor on
behalf of the congregation. After an in.
teresting programme, with vocal and lit
erary features, Mr.. Edward Russell,
unveiled the picture. while Mr. James @.
Porter representing the society, was
about to conclude rousing welcome to
its president and pastor. This was the
first time he had seen the present, and In
feeling terms he thanked its donors for
remembering him in such gracious and
substantial manner, promising to keep
il as reminder of pleasant gathering
between pastor and people. This ended
the Friday meeting Of the Young Peo-
pies Society, which will long be remem-
bered as an enjoyable event in which
happiness and good feeling prevailed