The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1892-06-15

gagged, the stone church, around which
had clustered so many sacred memories,
was swept away by fire on the 10th OF
January. 1891, leaving scarcely anything
but a heap Of blackened ruins. Before
twenty-four hours had passed, with an
alacrity which was most commendable,
the vestry had assembled and announced
their purpose to make it their earnest
endeavor ito provide the parish, as soon
as may be, with place of worship more
suitable to its present needs than the one
which was destroyed, and better adapted
to the future requirements OF st. Andrews
parish" Snch spirit aroused the inter-
est OF the Church In the diocese, and
among Christians OF all denominations In
Lambertviile. In response to an appeal
from the Bishop, large number Of the
New Jersey parishes, aud many OF Its
Sunday schools, sent offerings to cheer
the missionary and bis stricken people.
Hundreds of dollars, unsolicited, were
given by Christian brethren Of the various
congregations In this city. Various gifts
flowed in so quietly that the givers to this
day remain wholly unknown, and one
who had only known ct. Andrews 10
years gone by, in his boyhood days, has
tened to send large donation for the re-
building of the church, and has followed
II up by other generous gifts through its
entire progress. Such deeds demand
recognition on day like this, and call for
our earnest thanks to Almighty God for
his inestimable benefits.
And now, my brethren, that for which
you have so faithfully toiled aud labored,
this most beautiful church, with its most
appropriate fittings, stands complete, and
has been consecrated and wholly given,
free from debt, by your chief pastor, the
Bishop, to the service of Almighty God,
separating II henceforth from all unhal.
lowed, ordinary and common uses, and
dedicating it to His service; for reading
his Holy Word, for celebrating His holy
sacramento, for offering to His Glorious
Majesty the sacrifice of prayer and thanks.
giving, for blessing His people in His
name, and for the performance OF all
other holy offices.
II is, indeed, an suspicious day for this
ancient parish, and should fill all our
hearts with thanksgiving for the work
which God has wrought. The burning of
the church, which seemed such calamity
to the parish, has proved blessing. 1t
has rallied friends on every side; and
while causing the parishioners to work
with one mind and one heart for the re-
building of the church, 1t has united the
congregation 10 a way which gives the
best promise for its future prosperity.
Well may we say, God be praised for His
great mercy
But do not forget, with oil your re-
joicing, that In addition to this beautiful
temple there Is still another temple to be
built, aud that Is the temple Of God within
your hearts.
Let me therefore conclude with the at
words OF the sanity Bishop Wilson: "lt
the angels OF God attend here to bring
your prayers before God, will any of you
be indifferent whether or not you come
hitherl Will you dare to spend the
Lords day, without just cause, at home,
when the angels are here to meet you
viii you let your'children be exposed to
judgment and dangers, by suffering them
10 be idle and 10 play at home, when their
angels (Which cur Saviour saith, see the
face OF God) are In the congregation OF
the faithful2 Will not all those, that are
without reason elsewhere, be exposed to
the power Of the devil, without helper
"And now, o God, we most humbly
beseech Thee, let Thine eyes be open. aud
Thy blessing rest upon this house, which
is now dedicated 10 Thy service. May
the people of this congregation never pro-
woke Thee, by any wickedness, to with
draw Thy presence from them but may
they, in all their necessities, have this
place to flee unto, this house Of defence
nigh at hand.
"May Thy Sabbaths be here remem-
bered and devoutly kept; may thy sacra-
ments be here administered and received
with great devotion; may the youth be
instructed, the aged put in mind OF their
duty, and all made living temples of the
Holy Ghost; that Thou mayst bless us,
and that we In return may honor Thee
for Thou art worthy, o Lord, to receive
honor, and glory, and power; for Thou
hast created all things, and for thy pleas.
| ure they are and were created "