Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1893-06-14
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
Members Of Christ Church, Gardner,
Celebrate tooth Anniversary.
Maine Diocesan Convention Having Large A.
tendance from All Over State.


which the Episcopalisns of Maine will be
the guests of Gardiner. While the attend
ance yesterday was large, that of today was
larger by far. Not only members of that
denomination but the people of Gardiner
and other kennebec cities and towns were
also present in numbers without regard TO
sect
Today being the centennial anniversary
of the foundation of Christ church parish
of this city, this in itself would have been
a notable occsion. In order to make the
celebration more complete, and to show the
general feeling of pride in the life and
growth of this strong parish, the annual
diocesan convention was called to meet in
this city for the first time in nearly quar-
ter Of a century.
1t was everyway fitting that this parish
should be so honored during the lifetime of
the Rt Rev. George c. Burgess, d. D.,
bishop of Maine, and for many years rector
of this parish. Christ church was the head
of the diocese. remaining so until Bishop
Neely's eonsecration 26 years ago. The
Episcopal residence was then moved to
Portland and ST. Luke's in that city became
the cathedral church.
At A. NJ. today there was morning
prayer in the church. at which service Rev.
J Nv. Sparks of Waterville and Rev. j. s.
Cotton otficiated. At 80 o'clock the con-
vention organized and at II the clergy and
lay delegates joined In celebrating the Holy
Communion, with fine sermon by Rev.
Canon C. NJ Sills, ID. D., of st. Luke's
Cathedral, Portland.
At this mornings meeting Rev. Canon c.
4 ~.
Rev. Canon Sills and W. II. Washburn of
Auburn and Rev. Walker Gwynne of Au-
gusta, Messrs. John Marshall Brown of
Portland, Henry ingalls, of Wiscassett and
Geo. ii. Starr of Portland were reelected
standing committee of the diocese.
The convention at ii O'Clock took re-
cess until 3 p NJ.
Following the special service above men
toned the clergy, lay delegates and visiting
members of the Women's Auxiliary were
rendered luncheon at the house of Mrs.
II. G. White. After this short time was
devoted to an informal reunion and recep-
ton.
At 8 O'Clock the convention reassembled
and listened to an eloquent and scholarly
address by the bishop on the state of the
diocese. lie dealt particularly with Christ
church. touching upon its history and dwell
ing upon its proud record. He said. in re-
lation to the affairs of the diocese, that the
Episcopal church in Maine was never
stronger nor its prospects brighter than to-
day.
Following the address large amount of
business was transacted. Robert Hallowell
Gardiner, Esq, of Boston and Gardiner
was elected a trustee of the Maine Episco-
pal Missionary Society. Mr.. W. G. Ellis
of this city and Gen. w S. Choate of Au-
gusta were elected trustees of st. Cath
ariue's Hall. Mr. c. d. Merrill of Port
land was reelected treasurer of the do
cesar funds.
1t was voted that the delegates to the do
cesar conventions must be baptized men
and must sign their intention of attaching
themselves to the Protestant Episcopal
church, and that no excommunicated per-
son shall be delegate.
vote of thanks was given to the parish
by the visiting clergy for the kindnesses re-
ceived during the convention, also for the
many favors shown them during their stay
in our city.
The parish centennial celebration was
held in the church in the evening. The
beautiful. impressive services were attended
Dy large coHRreRdlloH.
There was no sermon. but the bishop and
Rev. A. f. Beeman, the rector of the
parish read letters from past rectors and
other persons intimately connected with
the church in the past. Among others were
letters from Bishop Alexander Burgess of
Quincy, ILL.,, a brother of GARDENERS Bishop
Burgess, Bishop W. w. Niles of New
Hampshire, from Rev. W. r. Babcock,
rector of the church from 1910 to 1916, and
Rev. Leverett Bradley and Rev. C. l..
Wells, rector in recent years. and from
Mrs. Burgess. All the letters expressed
strong interest in the parish, and contained
many good wishes for its future welfare.
Two other former rectors, Rev. John T.
McGrath and Rev. G.. S. Leffngwell of Bar
Harbor delivered short and interesting ad
dresses.
The music at this service and in the
morning was of a high order and many
were the words of praise for the choir and
| organist.
After the centennial celebration recep-
ton was rendered the bishop by the parish
| at Mrs. +. T. Bradstreet's large and pretty
house. Refreshments were served and
| nothing was omitted that would serve to
add to the enjoyment of the evening. The
| reception was one of the pleasantest fea-
lures of the whole gathering.
| Miss Julia C. Emery gave an interesting
account of the work done by the Maine
Womens Auxiliary during the past few
years at a meeting of that society, held in
the lecture room of Christ church this af-
teruoon.
| y The board of missions have a special
meeting wednesday forenoon at 3 o'clock.