The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1892-07-20
A NEW PASTOR.
Rev. Sydney s. COnger Installed Over
the Presbyterian Church.
HE WAS WELCOMED BY MANY OF
HIS NEW PARISHIONERS.

The Interesting Service-Rev. ID. d. Nc
Murdy of East Boston the Preacher
Rev. Mr.. Black, who Presided, Deliv-
cred the Charge to the Pastor.Rev. Mr..
Robinson's Words to the Church
He is Leaving-Rev. A. H. Wright Ex-
tended Greetings.
1t was matter of deep regret that the
people of the First Presbyterian church
were obliged to part with their pastor
Rev. W. C. Robinson, whose passionate
had been faithful though brief. But
large congregation welcomed their new
pastor, Rev. Sydney S. Conger last even
ing.
The services began with the hymn, II
love thy kingdom, Lord. Rev. Mr..
Black read selections from the Bible.
Prayer was offered by the pastor. The
congregation joined in singing, "All hail
the power of Jesus name.'l
The Ordination Sermon.
Rev. D. B. McMurdy of East Boston
preached forcible sermon from the 23d
verse of list Kings, 'iIf the Lord be God
follow Him. What is Of God, if it be
in the nature of truth, must be perma-
nant. Christianity appeared in the per-
son of it's founder more than 1900 years
ago. God was there, manifest in the
flesh. The prophecy was then made
that though the heavens and the earth
should pass away the word of God
should not pass away; at the name OF
Jesus every knee should bow. The OBJ
ject lessons of long ago are object les
sons of today. If the Lord sbe God fol-
low him.
The speaker presented vivid picture
of the assembled multitude on Mount
Carmel when Isreal was to know who
was to be her God. Elijah said, How
long will We halt between opinions? II
Baal be God follow him. And the wor-
shippers of Baal called upon their god
from morn till noon, and from noon till
evening. Then Elijah said, LET it be
known this day that Thou art the Lord.
The feecy flame came down upon the
altar; the sacrifice was consumed; the
stone upon the altar was consumed. Ten
thousand. people caught up the strain,
1.-THE Lord, He is the Cod" Ere a year
rolled by the people were dancing around
their fire gods. Before we blame them
let us look within. We have greater
light and knowledge and opportunities
than did the Israelites, and yet we too
bow down to false gods-to wealth,
honor and power. We give them obei-
sance. If the Lord be God, why not fol
low Him?
There is no if in nature. The heavens
\ IL tho rrl0ru of
God. The evidences of nature all pro-
claim that God is everywhere. He be-
came a burnt offering for sin. Then why
not follow Him? It is not question OF
duty but question of debt. And an
honest man will see that the debt is paid.
While men ask for time to consider this
vital question, they are deciding against
God. While more men are reading the
Bible and studying the Bible than ever
before. is it creditable for men to say
that Christianity lis a failure? The vic5
tim of doubt will tell you that temper
ance is failure. A man with his face
scanned with vice will declare that virtue
is failure. If Christianity is failure
it is because man knows his duty and
does it not. The command is given to
you individually the same as that given
by the Master to Peter, ''Follow me-
The Ordination Services.
The hymn, "Saviour, like a Shepherd
lead u.s. was sung, after which the or
dination services took place, Rev. G. L.
Black, chairman of the committee of the
Boston Presbytery, officiating. The Or
dination prayer was by Rev. Mr.. Nc
Murdy.
The right hand Of fellowship was given
and Rev. Mr.. Conger was pronounced
pastor of the Park street church.
The Charge to the Pastor
was given by Rev. Mr.. Black, who said:
twill depend largely upon you whether
this people have right application and
understanding of the word of God. A
solemn duty rests upon you. Declare the
word of God in manly and vigorous
way. We live in a materialistic age A
successful minister must be manly man.
Manifest brotherly interest in this peo--
pie. Live close to the Saviour, and
preach nothing but the word of God.
The Charge to the Congregation
was given by Rev. Mr.. Robinson, who adj
VISoQ his hearers 10 WOIk Ill udIIlOuy
with their pastor, work in the same path
for the same end. Unity should be the
keynote. Remember that you cannot be
divided in your interest. Work together
that this church may be power in the
city. Pray for your pastor. I have been
strengthened by the prayers of the peo-
pie here. Tell him the needs of the peo-
pie, tell him of those things that will
aid him in his work. Above all, remem-
Der you are ministers and messengers OF
God. Live close to him. Let the spirit
ual life of this people never languish.
Rev. A. III. Wright, pastor of the St.
Lawrence street church, extended fra
ternal greeting and spiritual fellowship
| of the other churches. Although there
is but one Presbyterian church in this
city of many churches, this church is
sure of the hearty sympathy and cooper
alton of her sister churches.
Many beautiful floral offerings were on
the pulpit and altar.
| Twelfth Maine Reunion.
The annual reunion of the Twelfth