St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1893-10-19
CRANKY.
A birthday Anniyeraary.

| ' W"e Picasant gathering tnat
convened at North Victory on Wednes-
day the 18th, at the house of Deacon
geo: A. Appleton, the occasion being the
birthday OF Mrs Appleton, the beloved
president of the ladies' aid society of the
congregational church, just over the
line IN CRANKY. The ladies had met
here now Tor the sixth successive We'd
nesday afternoon to quilt an embroidcr.
ca spread, containing about 200 names
OF people with over 80 passages of
scripture, and many floral adorn-
ments, The quilt was completed at an
early hour, when Mrs. Appleton was
told that, though president she must
yield obedience and stay in the parlor,
where with her husband she entertained
the gentlemen and ladies present, while
the other officers of the society with the
younger ladies took possession of the
spacious apartments, particularly the
dlning-room, pantry and kitchen. After
some plans for the repast that was to
follow, all repaired to the parlor when the
pastor made brief address as follows:
1--WE have gathered this afternoon to
present our congratulations to the presi-
dent OF the ladies' aid society on arriving
at another OF the great way-marks,
which number the years of life-the dav
OF birth. When we come to these ami
versary days in our lives, we often
wonder where the years are gone.
we have been so eDgrossed by the
labors, scenes, and experiences of the
Journey, that we have not realized the
distance we have travelled. What a
retrospect of divine care and mercy the
years that are past bring before us!
Thousands of blessings every year have
come to us, and not the least among
them are these opportunities of doing
good, in which all may share. The
life we live here should be busy one, and
the Master would have it busy in His
service, while we quietly cherish the sure
hope OF that rest that remaineth"
This retrospect casts its shadows as well
as sunlight for the friends and COM
panions of our Journey have, many of
them, gone on before. The children of
this household reared for the Master,
have entered upon His service in distant
places and are not with us today. They
preach the glad tidngs beneath the set
ting sun on far off prairies, or teach the
less favored in the isles of the sea. The
angel of death has not passed by this
mansion, but entering has taken a son,
who hoped to be herald of the glad
news OF salvation to many hearts. An
other child heard the summons and gave
her consent to depart to the better
country. May these parents be spared
for many years to further the cause of
righteousness here. While increasing in
years, if living in the light and love of
our Lord, we shall grow younger in
spirit, as we are nearing our heavenly
home.
THE last of life is better than the first.
Or else that life has by itself been cursed,
But who looks on, and sees new joy each
day,
Shows he has fought and conquered all
the way"
express the wish that you may have
many more happy returns of this day,
that more decades be added to your life.
May you both reach at last the consum-
nation of all your wishes in the home Of
the blessed, to be evermore an unbroken
family" Prayer was fervently offered by
the good deacon, and song, "Beulah
Land" followed. The secretary with
fitting words presented the gifts, to
which Mrs. Appleton warmly responded.
A fine poem, Life and l." was read by
the vice president. The wife of former
pastor was present and made remarks.
Another poem, "The Embroidery of the
Tabernacle" was read, when the senti-
ments of the company broke forth in the
hymn, "Blest be the tie that binds"
The preparations being completed, all
assembled in the dining-room, where the
hostess quickly esped her own name on
a large loaf of cake which occupied the
centre Of the table. Many accompani-
ments, both hot and cold, were served,
while merry words were freely spoken.
The absence of the children, far away,
was all there was to mar the perfect en-
joyment of the occasion. The company
departed at an early hour bearing the
gratitude of the worthy couple.
l.. A. G. p.