The morning call., 1894-01-15

Briggs, the pastor Of the church. at his
right hand. and Rev. George Baugh, pastor
Of the Southsde Methodist Episcopal
Church, at his left.
Previous to the sermon Rev Mr.. Briggs
announced that Thomas g. Parker of Ala
media station, Frank Newton of Cnlusa
station and William I. Bellvlle Of Kings
bury station had presented their letters
and credentials, anu were duly admitted
TO membership with the centenary congre-
cation.
In the Bishops address of congratula-
tion which followed this addition to the
mem bershID OF the church on the day of
its dedication was referred 10 as being
subject for special eongratulatioD. and as
proving we'll for its future growth and
prosperity. The text OF the dedicatoTy
sermon which was delivered by the Bishop
was a clause OF the seventeenth verse OF
the seventh chapter of the Gospel ac-
cOrding to Matthew, Even Sc every good
tree bringeth forth good fruit" The dis
course WAS very excellent one. full OF
the spirit of true Christianity, broad
charity and good will toward all men.
when | started out in the ministry"
said the reverend gentleman, Il had an
idea that il was my duty and perhaps my
mission to convert all with W hOm ! came in
contact to Methodism. / coulc not see the
good points in other churches, as l was
blind TO all but the eXceilences of my own.
Years passed, and | learned that there
were grand men and sanity women in
other denominations who were devoting
their lives 10 helping and saving others,
and l learned 10 believe in them and their
work. l grew less egotistical, less self
centered, and more able to see clearly the
good that was being done around me by
many who were not Just Of my way of think
ing, and now | have come to pGlnt where
| believe in, aud thank God for, all who
I f,rAa ard foil - oil
who believe in Christ as the savior of
sinners and try faithfully to follow his
pTecepts."
Christianity the speaker likeued to ",he
good tree" on which the Meth odist church
is fourlshing branch among other
branches.
There be some who contend that re-
generation has nothing to do with man."
he said, land that education, refinement
and culture will raise him to his highest
estate. No one but an idiot will say
anything against these three things, but
there is something else needed before man
can live the best life Of which he is
capable. and that is conversion. Conver-
sion is 10 turn by the grace of God from
darkness to light, from sin TO holiness,
from ruin to righteousness. 1t is the
choice of the heart by which you become
part of Christ, a branch of the living
vlne.
preacher declared: 1T has been cor
rupted and mi,represented. There have
been intolerable crueltles committed in
its name because the passions of men
have intruded thems elves into the sane
tuary of God. but true Christianity has
come down TO US like golden thread
through the past centuries unbroken,
pure and bright and precious. uncorroded
and undefiled."
HThe wonderful growth Of the Methodist
Episcopal Church South was dwelt on at
some length, the statement being made
that whereas in 1866 there were but 44O. coo
members, if now has at this date a mem-
bership of over 100000 This increase,
the Bishop said, is not due to proseIyting,
as the Methodist is not a proselyting
church, nor to emigration, but to CONVEX
Slons at the altar.
After paying an eloquent tribute to those
who have done so much for Methodism in
the past the Bishop concluded his sermon
by appealing to all 10 Te0edlcate them
selves to the Lord as they went through
the solemn form of dedicatlng the building
which they had fashioned TO his service.
The trustees, r. K. Kane, Emory Z.
Smith, George Jesse and John Stock, then
came forward, and the latter gentleman,
in few brief words, presented the edlfice
to the Bishop. the congregation rising in
token of assent. The Bishops acceptance
followed. and then the simple form of
dedication was read by him, after which
he offered the dedlcatory prayer, and the
brief but impressive ceremony came to an
end.
The exquisite music furnished for the
occasion was under the direction of Pro-
fessOr r. T. Til3on, who offieiated as or
ganlst. and besides the regular hymns con-
sisted of the following selections: Quartet,
GOD Is a Spirit" tBennetp; bass solo by
Frank Belcher. Cast Thy Burden on the
Lord" (DiehD; contrslto Solo by Mrs. Ed
Geissler. "Iucline Thine Ear" (Himman