The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1893-04-24
THIRD ANNIVERSARY
ofthe Passionate Of Rev, O, M, AL
ford in this City.
INTERESTING SERMON PREACHED
Al tho Morning Services at the Third
Presbyterian Church-Increase in
the Past Three YcaFs-Good Work
Done by tho Various Church sOcle-
tics-some Timely Advice,

PFebyterian church on the SouLh SlueI
the pastor, Rev. Q. NJ. Afford preached
sermon commemorative Of the third
anniversary Of his pastOFate. A large
congregation heard the interesting talk.
He took for his text, Psalms 1868, 1.-THE
Lord hath done great things for US,
whereof we are glad"
"Thls was the statement" began the
pastor, "of the Jews on their return
from Babylonish captivity. The exile
had broken the charm idolatory had
hitherto exercised they became haters
oiidOls. tied them to set great value
ON spiritual service and not so much on
ritualisn. The return was sitting
out of tho most faithful with which to
rebuild Jerusalem. Israel felt that
God had done all this. He had given
the Medo-Persian empire possession OF
Babylon. He had placed Cyrus on the
throne and given the jews favor in his
eyes, thus preparing the way for re-
turning and building tho city. Gods
favor was the cause OF their success.
ain our congregational experience We
can say the Lord hath done great
things for US, whereof We are glad
Our history runs back to 1850. when on
January 18th, Rev. Alfred PAUL was in
stalled pastor OF this congregation.
In the iorty-three years since
that date, thirteen pastors have
served the Master in the field. There
have beentimes when the future looked
very dark. In the spring OF 1866 Mr..
Samuel OFT, then the leading ruling
elder, invited the congregation to his
home on the river bank, now occupied
by Mr., Seyboid, to talk over tho inter-
etts Of the church. 1t seemed evident
that the church could not survive
longer, and that it would be best to sell
the property and abandon the work.
They could hardly believe that the 10
Dor OF sixteen years was to be lost, and
that they should meet no more Tor
prayerand worship in the Third church;
there was not dry eye in the houle.
While cropping in the darkness, scarcely
knowingwhat to do, letter was brought
to Mr.. OFT stating that the Rev. iona.
than Cross, Of baltimore, Nd, was on
his way to Wheeling to take charge OF
the Thirdchurch. Their weeping wasim-
mediately turned to rejoicing. Gods
promise became true, AT evening time
1t shall be light The congregation
then took new start, and, although it
has had its dark days. yet there have
always been faithful few TO push for
ward the work.
"In 1884 and 1885 the present building
was constructed on tho site OF the for
mer building.
DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS.
"The work OF tho congregation in the
past three years has rapidly increased.
The attendance on public worship has
increased, also the interest in spiritual
things. The church building has been
repaired in the past year at a consider
able expense, and complete renova-
ton OF the Sabbath school room was
given two years Ngo. Electric lights
have taken the place OF gas in the audi
forum. In former years the deficiency
in the pastors salary was made up each
year out OF the funds raised by suppers
and entertainments, but during this
pastorate OF three years. it has been
raised by the free will offerings OF the
people. You have been faithful in this
respect, and God has prospered you.
Gods rule is true one-'give, and it
shall be given unto you.'
'vThe debt of the congregation has been
reduced in the three years from over
nineteen hundred to seven hundred and
sixty dollars, and the congregation has
paid out for oil purposes during tho last
twelve months over three thousand
dollars. Every department Of the
church is in good working order.
1.-THE Sabbath school still holds its
position as the largest ono in the Wash
ington presbytery, and as large as any
in Wheeling. 1t has been very success.
full in the past three years. God has
blessed 1t with good efficient officers,
and corns OF earnest teachers. No ono
can measure the good results Of this
Sabbath school. When stone drops
from the overhanging mountain into
the still waters of tho quiet lake at its
base, the ripple on the surface OF the
water never atops until 1t reaches the
further shore; SO the Sabbath school
has produced an influence for good in
some lives, that will never cease until
II reaches the shore Of eternity.
1.-THE Christian Endeayor Society has
had almost Its entire growth in these
three years. Its meetings or member.
ship three years ago would scarcely pass
beyond q dozen. Now 1t has men,
bership Of ifty-two and an average at
tendance OF seventy.six. Its meetings
are deeply interesting and marked with
pure Christian spirit. There 10 no
part Of our church work better adapted
10 the development OF young ChriStians
than this society.
"The Ladies' Auxiliary Society, in the
interest OF home and foreign missions,
30 long on a standatill, has taken new
lease OF life, God has awakened some
OF tho women OF our church and led
them to feel that 1t is their duty and
privilege TO take hold OF this missionary
work, and we are expecting bright
future for them. May God move every
woman OF this church to enter this 30.
ciety and holp along with this grand
work.
"Tho Young Ladies' Missionary Road.
ing Circle has been organized by Mrs.
Afford, aud Is doing most excellent
work. This society, not content with
knowing nothing about the work OF
Christ outside OF our own congregation
or city, is making study Of tho mission
work at homo and abroNd. With
knowledge comes interest, and with in.
forest comes conservation and liberality
There Is still room In this society for
many moro OF our young ladies; and |
am certain II will broaden your minds
and give you not only d knowledge Of
our missions which you do not now
possess, butwill impress on your minds