The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1894-12-01
CHURCH RE-DEDICATED.
THE HANDSOME IMPROVEMENTS
MADE.
The Zion Presbyterian Church Re-Opened
with Impressive Ceremonies.

The re-dedication and re-opening of the
Zion Presbyterian Church took place on
Sunday last. Notwithstanding the cold wind
and rather unpleasant nature of the weather,
the sacred edilce was filled at the morning
service with members of the congregation
and surrounding community. All were
delighted at the many changes and improve
ments, and expressions of entire satisfaction
with the manner in which the building com
mittee had performed its work were heard on
every hand. For some years past the building
presented II very unattractiye appearance; it
was not however until the past summer that
the congregation considered it wise to COM
mrnce renovation. In August, the plans
We're decided ON, and the work placed in the
hands OF Contractor Swayne, of Wilmington,
Del, since which the workmen under the
immediate supervision of Mr.. Vim. Haddock,
have been busily engaged. The interior of
the church has received the most attention
The walls have been Iathcd ami pastered
and finished in old rose; the shade is soft and
pleasing, and harmonizes well with the wood
wood. The ceiling is entirely new, composed
Of yellow pine, ana gives Il very bright. and
CHEEKY aspect to the house. The pulpit, pews
and choir are grained in antique oak. and
the various tints blending SO beautifully
produce an effect very pleasing to the eye
The pulpit chairs and communion table in
solid oak are greatly admired. the carving
and artistic work being OF Il very high order
ON Sunday an immense bouquet of snow
white carnations, delicatcIy surrounded 10y
wreath Of sniIaX adorned the holy table. On
the face Of the arch over the pulpit, in light
blue shaded with gold, is the inscription
III" Lord is II His Holy Templr' ON either
side Of the chanrcl massive scroll of oak.
! by feet, hangs suspended from the wall.
On these are printed in German type in black
and gold the I.oru'. Prayer and the Beati-
tubes. The windows are gothic in design
and are Of fine stained glass To the
right OF the holy table IS a memorial to the
late Rev. J. II. John. who was the devoted
pastor from 1861 to 1888. erected by the
congregation as IA mark of affection and
esteem. The east window at the rear OF the
choir is simply beautiful. 1t is also a mem
oria window presented by the Smith family
in loving remembrance of their parents.
Samuel and Mary Smith, original members of
the church and zcalous laborers on its behalf.
The window is double and on either halt in
i"wccd glass there is IL satin cross surrounded
by Il crown.
The exterior of the church is plain and old
fashioned, but the erection of an imposing
tower has done much to relieve the dullness.
The bell weighs about 800 pounds and was
supplied by McShane Of Baltimore. Its deep
rich tones can be heard for miles. 1t is a
costly gift from Mr. and Mrs W. l.. Mearns.
members OF the church, who for many years
have been closely identified with its interests.
The building committee was composed of
the following: Alessrs. Joseph T. Grove.
Austin c. Carhart. Ellis l.. Duyckinck. VIM.
Stewart and John A. Fox
MORNING SERVICE.
The service in the morning was in harmony
with the surroundings simple, impressive.
and devotional. The subjoined is the order
observed:
l. Organ voluntary.
.. Anthem.
,. Invocation.
4. Hymn.
5. First Lesson.
6. Prayer and Gloria Patri.
!. Second Lesson.
$. Hymn.
.. Lords Prayer in unison.
10. Duet.
II. sermon.
u. Prayer.
l3. Pastors remarks.
ii. Offering and solo.
l5. Hymn.
l6. DOXviOgy.
II. Bcnedirtion.
The sermon was delivered by the Rev. John
McElmoyir, in, umDent oI Elkton Presbyterian
Church, whose text was Psalm XVI g. 1t
was Il mastery discourse and the comforting
and hopeful lessons oi this glorious text were
portrayed i'll manner appreciated by ALL
The Rev. A. p. Prettyman OF the NJ L.
Church, assisted in the service, showing by
his presence Ihe good feeling that exists be-
tween the congregations Of the town, Il happy
condition, further illustrated by the fact that
the NJ. Il. Church through the kindness of the
minister and people, has been at the disposal
OF the Presbyterians for the past three months.
Before the Offering was taken the pastor, the
Rev. William Fitz-Simon, congratulated the
people on the success Of their undertaking
and warmly commended them for the har-
mony, enthusiasm and generosity displayed.
The music at the service was IL marked
feature, the anthems being rendered in a
delightful manner, and Miss Rutherford the
organist Of the church, presided with her
usual grace and ability. Mr.. Newman Davis,
of Wilmington and Miss Bertha McNeal, of
Elkton, both of whom are 50 prominently
known in musical circles, contributed very
materially to the musical part of the service
They sang duet-Fabers hymn. "There's a
Wilderness in Gods mercy, like the Wilderness
of the sea-" These well known and gladsome
lines were sung with wonderful feeling and
expression. During the Offering, Mr.. Davis
contributed solo, "Fear ye not, Zion"
with beautiful grace and marked power.
At the evening session, the Rev. Edmond
Fitz-Simon, of Darlington, Hartford county.
preached very interesting and practical
sermon from the text: Job ii 4. 1t was
listened to with rapt attention. The Rev.
William MaoFarlnnd of prn,aton co,,i,..,,