The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1894-05-05
A oHURcH's sEmI-cEsrEsN1AL.
An Anniversary Sermon on Ascension Day by
Rev. Jesse Higgins, Commemorative of
the 5oth Anniversary of Ascension
Parish

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were
Rogation Days, and special services were
held at Ascension Church, Westminster.
Thursday, Ascension Day, was the 6ftieth
Parish, and Rev. Jesse Higgins, rector,
preached sermon in the morning commem
orative of the event. He took for his text
the closing part of the 10th verse of the 10th
chapter of St. Mark-"The lord working
with them, and confirming the word with
signs following said
our pastor occupies difficult position
today. On other days he can speak as Gods
priest to his people. But this day calls for
more than merely official connection be-
tween the preacher and his hearers 1t calls
for a common tie with the past, which can
not claim. One year ago neither yon nor |
had any thought of being pastor and people,
and today stand to speak to you of past
of fifty years. Fifty years ago today this par
ish was organized, and fifty years ago this
month it was admitted into union with the
convention of the Diocese of Maryland. Fifty
years ago this August this land was bought
and paid for, and the building of the church
commenced, to be finally paid for and conse
Grated on Ascension Day, two years later.
There still linger in the sunshine of this
world three Christian souls who took glad
part in the beginning of this little church,
one half century ago. First, venerated
woman, still vigorous in mind and body,
whose prayers and aims have gone up for
memorial before God, joined with the prayers
and aims of others of her honored name; one
to whom this church and this churchyard are
the dearest spots on earth. Waiting in serene
hope to be Joined to the loved ones in the
Unseen Church, she is here today, and re-
ceives from us our love and prayers for many
more happy and useful years on earth.
Another honored woman, still bright in
mind, though stricken in body, sits in her
cheerful room only few steps from this
church, and speaks to all who come within
the cheering circle of her presence of the
bright days gone by, and thinks hopefully,
we know, Of the brighter days to come here
after.
And third, venerable man, to whom IL is
difficult to give the title of aged, who keeps
at nearly iourscore years the fire and enthusi-
asm of youth. The storms of many conflict
in field and forum have passed over him.
His strong hand and warm heart helped to
found this beloved church of God, and the
same hand and heart are here today to uphold
and love the church.
Others still survive whose love and labors
for the church go back almost to that time.
But wonld only show my Ignorance in at.
tempting to place each one, and speak Of
each ones share in the Masters work. But
OF these three | have spoken because they
were here at the very beginning of it all. OF
many who were here then, who have since
been called to rest, and of many who came
later, and have also died out Of this part of
Gods Church into that brighter part within
the vail, | cannot speak. because | did not
know them. But your loving minds can re.
call them as | speak, and your loving hearts
can tell over their names to God, praying that
in their place OF waiting He will grant them
rest and peace.
And yet, although so little time has gone
by since first came among you, two of our
old and honored members have been called
to rest. First, Mrs. Charlotte Spalding,
known and loved for so many years among
you. A quiet helpful, useful life, u long ill.,
ness, and quiet, hopeful death, leaving Il
tender memory in many loving hearts. May
she rest in peace.
One who helped to carry Mrs. Spalding's
body was the next to have his body borne
into the church he loved. The public posi-
ton of Henry Vanderford caused his sterling
qualities of head and heart 10 be known far
and wide. And the many warm tributes from
the public press came from those who knew
him better than your pastor. But one did
not have to know him long to be drawn by
his singeness of purpose and devotion to
duty. He died suddenly, but, We believe,
not unprepared; death to be desired, with
out sickness or slow decay. May the Master
grant him rest.
Today is a day of memories, and, if
we're the fitting person to do it, | might re-
call once again all the pastors who have in
succession labored for the Master and his
church among you. Beginning at that quiet
man of God, David Hillhouse Buel, who
came in his modest youthfulness over fifty
years ago to found the church, and called it
Ascension Church. because dating from As
and as | call the roll of the
living and the dead may, of the living and
the liring), each name will call up to some
before me memories Of these years now past:
Samuel G. Davis, Thomas James Wyatt.
Oliver Sherman Prescott, Edward II. c.
Goodwin, James Chrystal, James W. Reese,
John 81. Converse, Julian K. Ingle, Isaac
Lea Nicholson, James Stewart Smith, Syl-
vanns B. Pond, until we come to days re-
membered 10y the youngest here, ending with
that untiring worker, Wyllys Rede, and the
brief but earnest rectorship of Charles N.
Morris.
What u long array ofnames-names of able
and honored men, and not one of them with
out some memory of love and respect among
the people left behind
After these personal references the preacher
proceeded to answer the question: "What
success has your church had here during this
half century," Claiming that the best ele
ments of spiritual success cannot be weighed
in earthly scales, he set forth AS proofs of
success: First, the continued witness to the
old Catholic Church of God second, the
If tha fnruns Of tunrShiN
third, the witness of many quiet Christian
lives; all of which finds us today bright, con-
fident and hopeful OF the future. He then
dwell more at length upon the spiritual infu-
ence of the long continued daily prayers and
the daily Eucharistic sacrifice at the altar.
The speaker deprecated appeals for money
for church improvements, saying that when
the people were spiritually ready they wonld
give unasked. He then specified three plans
for church extension, to be accomplished in
Gods own time First, the enlargement Of
the parish church; second, the partial en-
dowment of the parish, to make up for losses
by death or removal; third, the building of a
separate church for the colored members of
the parish. The sermon ended with IL sum
mary of the present state of the parish, and
an appeal to Ascension people TO live Ascen-
sion lives.
Bishop Paret preached at night and con
lirmed class of ten. The little church was
crowded on the occasion.
The collections on Ascension Day are to
be laid aside for church enlargement. The
church is too small to hold all who desire TO
attend on special occasions, and the eongre
CATION is gradually increasing.
carrolIton Items.
The weather of the last week has been
favorable for farm work. Potato planting
has been finished in general, and corn plant
ing is in progress. Some farmers have their
crops planted. Grain looks well; rye is in
head and there are prospects for an early
harvest.
Howard Millender is saving a frame for
Mr.. Evans cottage, which he will have
erected in the near future.
Mr.. Magee and son are progressing well
with their dwelling on Dry Dock avenue.
Franklin Shaffer and George Houck are at
work erecting Joseph Leppo's dwelling.
Our farmers are rejoicing in the game and
bird law of 1894.