Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1893-12-07
CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR RECEPTION.
The Local Societies Entertained at
Central Church.

Sentrell SnurCDs
A Pleasant Reunion of Christian Enteay-
orers Tuesday yNight--Interesting Exer-
cises and Beautiful. Dsoorations--The
Poem Written for the Occasion.
The Young Peoples Society of Chris
tian Endeavor of Central Church gave
reception last Tuesday evening to the
several Young Peoples Societies of
Christian Endeavor of this city. 1t was
the fourth of the series of receptions in
augurated last May. The other recep-
tions of the series were given by the
societies of First Presbyterian, st.
Paul's M. d. and Delaware Avenue
Baptist churches. The series contem-
plates receptions at all the churches
which have Young Peoples Societies Of
Christian Endeavor.
The pleasant reception was held in
the lecture room, which was beautifully
decorated. In anticipation OF the snow
outdoors the room had been made to
appear as if it had been visited by q
snow storm. A small pine tree ap-
peared to grow out Of snow bank in
the centre of the room. The wall back
of the platform was covered with white
and across it stretched an almost leatless
limb of tree, every twig and leaf show
ing in sharp outline against the white
wall. AT each side of the platform and
at the base of the tree snow seemed to
be piled against the wall, other limbs of
trees decorated the windows, and on
each the snow appeared to have fallen
plentifully, making an effective winter
scene despite the tropical atmosphere of
the room. #
The opening prayer was made by
Charles Bower of West Church society.
An address of welcome was delivered
by the Rev. William z. Swartz. Music
was furnished by Wilmington Philhar-
monte and Glee Club. The following
poem, composed for the occasion by
George H. Kerr, was read by j. H. Cole;
Long lines of trains are standing in the
Central Station now,
The steam is up and firm resolve is stamped
on every brow.
The Christian train hands tender eyes are
steady, bright and clear,
Firm hands are on the throttles, and their
brave hearts know no fear.
The trains are manned and womanned
too and varied is the dress;
Each breast is decorated with the letters
&c. Il. So
No sleepers on the &c. e. trains have
ever been allowed,
For those who travel on them are an
energetic crowd.
Each train has car attached for keen
eyed observation,
A delegation in il sits well known by
reputation;
They keep a sharp lookout for all who
may have missed the train,
Or if you try to take nap, you'll find
your efforts vain,
The Baptist train and the Methodist and
Presbyterian,
Are standing with their stately friend, the
Epscopalian.
And tho the cars are filling up, there's
always room for more
In trains that land you safe and sound
upon the other shore. -.
The Baptists take the river road and tho't
may make you smile,
They have a watering station at the end Of
every mile.
Before they reach their train at all, you
know the Baptist band,
For each one has rubber suit, and lineup
in his hand.
The Presbyterian cars are blue. and built
both warm aud strong;
The road they take is true and straight,
with tunnels very long.
You must not think the passengers in
utter darkness sit,
Like virgins wise meath darkened skies,
their lamps are always lit.
The Episcopalian Limited Express is nobly
planned
The interior decorations are the finest in
the land,
But they're not like their Baptist friends
with watering stations near,
They water up their train not more than
once or twice year.
And then we have the Methodist, the train
of jubilee,
The greatest train on earth, they say, fol
everything is free.
All other trains run through, but theirs
will stop at every station.
The ticket is the kind that's known as
| monthly commutation."
Tho here and there the tracks diverge, il
| will be quickly seen
That in this town alone the stops amount
| to Just sixteen;
And tho for months, or weeks or days
you may not meet again,
| There's every chance to see your friend:
upon another train.
There's Asbury and Bethel, Hanover and
| Covenant;
Redeemer, East Lake, First and Second
Methodist Protestant;
First and West Presbyterian, st. Paul anG
Olivet,
Rodney and Second Baptist, all are on th,
schedule set.
And what scrambling out of cars. {
merry hearted crew,
When last fall all the trains drew up a
nalnwnra AyanIln.
A glorious reunion, and rich, rare feast
of soul,
An oasis in the desert as we move towards
the goal.
L'ENvoI.
Mile after mile, by night and day, tn,
trains the mountains scale;
Up, up, the grade through sun and shade
thro every storm. and gale;
On rocks of faith the tracks are laid, tn,
ties are those of love,
The stations at the other end are mansions
up above.
The poem was well received, anC
proved one of the leading attractions o
the programme.
An address by the Rev. T. j. Mason
rector of Church of the Covenant anG
president of the State Union of Young
Peoples Societies of Christian Endeavo
followed.
About 300 persons were present, Re
freshments were served.
NO BODY IN THE RUINs.