Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-10-10
CENTENNIAL
Of the Congregational Society
Here, Celebrated.
Addresses by Beloved Pastors Of
Church in Former Days.
Exercises Very Interesting and Appropriate
Large Attendance.

The centennial celebration of the Con-
gregational church of this city was held,
Tuesday afternoon and evening. in the
large granite edifce on Church street. II
was very important event in the history of
thi, church. and one that recalled the small
beginning, from which has sprung a we'll
united and fourishing society of Congre.
g,tionalists. ~
During these many years the church
work has steadily advanced under the able
supervision and guidance of deeply inter-
este Christian pastors and people.
The large granite structure that now
forms the place of worship is of the l4th
century design of architecture and was con-
structed after the idea and wish of Rev.
DR.. Mckenzie, one of the ab!est and most
beloved pastors.
The gathering yesterday afternoon was
composed of many of the city's most prom
inent people and the attendance was large.
The front of the pulpit was made attractive
by ported plants of various kinds, inter
mixed with flowers. The service began at
4P NJ, by an organ prelude, professional
in f fat, by Guilmant, and fol-
lowing this was the anthem, t.Exalt
Him." Hanscom. Then came the
Lords Prayer in concert, followed
by responsive reading by Rev. Edward
Chase of Hallowell then prayer by Rev.
J. S. williamson, the present pastor, then
the response by the choir, and the congrega-
ton united in singing hymn los.
The next was the leading feature of the
afternoon service, and that an able address
on "The Church and Its Pastors by Rev.
Alexander Mckenzie, d. D., of Cambridge,
Mass, who was pastor from 1861 to 1867.
He was introduced by Rev. j. S. William
son, who spoke of how there are churches
that have leaders in whom they take pride
and of the fact that we meet people to
whom we become attached, that we cherish
beloved feeling for them. In closing his
few remarks he said that it was pleasure
to him to say that Rev. DR.. Mckenzie
would deliver an address on this occasion.
Mr.. Mckenzie in beginning bi, very
interesting address, said that it was pleas
ure for him to come to Augusta on this
memorable event and speak in the parish
where he first began his ministry. He said
that he missed old familiar faces and
voices, yet rejoiced to see how grandly the
good work had progressed. 1t was graft
fcation to him, and he said
that the outlook for con-
tinued results of good fortune
seemed excellent for the church. He spoke
of how he viewed with pleasuse the grand
valley Of the Kennebec as be came up in the
cars, noticed the magnificent scenery. saw
the indications of thrift and industry, and
concluded that this was a most glorious
spot for a sagacious people that early
entered this section. He said he began to
consider what made him leave such grand
place, so bountifully supplied with the bless
ings of nature. Then mention was made
particularly of Augusta and its many i'm
portant buildings its fine location and what
has been accomplished here by class OF
men possessing most wonderful and rare
qualities of character. They had to do with
the interests of the community as well as
themselves. They were q strong, true, and
noble set of men. He spoke OF
Ruel Williams, of what great
type of splendid manhood he
possessed and of what influence he had
for the best interests of Augusta. The 100
years of history of the church has been the
same as of the town, most interesting. The
church has had an influence upon the town
and from its work manifested benefits have
been the result. Beginning with the pas
tors of the church, he paid very compi-
mentary tribute to Rev. Daniel Stone, the
first pastor, whom he said was man OF
great wisdom, courage and character. That
he never tired in calling around him his
flock and endeavoring to do the noble work
laid before him. His work was most e1-
cellent foundation and was taken up py
man capable, clever, and of remarkably
fine disposition for such endeavor. Rev. Dr.
Tsppan. He was gentleman, an instruc-
tive preacher and teacher. He possessed
the pink of courtesy and butt up
the church, leaving it in an excellent
condition for his successor Rev. DR.. Webb
The latter came in the flush of youth and
was placed in position to follow man
who had become very popular and whom
the people cherished. DR.. Webb proved
himself the man for the opportunity ana
began his duties with an earnestness thar
soon showed that the church was bound to
have remarkable degree of prosperity
Today DIR. Webb holds one Of the highest
stations in missionary work, and that same
spirit of earnestness manifests itself as
awhen he began his pastorate here. The
speaker then paid tribute to Rev. Dr.
Ecob, who was present, speaking OF ms
grand services and work while pastor and