The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-12-10
THEIR SILVER WEDDING.
Anniversary Sermon az st. Johns
Church, Yesterday.

opite of the inclement weather there was
: large congregation TO welcome the
scholsrly minister and everything COM
bined TO make the occasion memorable
enc.
The music, by On augmented choir,
scanned more impressive than usual ana
was sung finely.
The remarks OF the rector, who con-
Quoted the entire service alone, were un-
usually fervent and eloquent and spirit
Of sanctity seemed TO enveiop the leader
and people as the closing words OF the
anniversary sermon were uttered.
DIR. Richards for the most part gave q
uractical resume of the work accomplished
~ the church since his 10th anniversary
uermon was preached and be pointed out
The hopes realized and emphasized those
to be fulfilled, making the occasion one
for rejoicing.
The text was taken from the first chap
ear In Paul's epistle 10 the philippians,
verses 8, 8, 9, s and o:
al thak my God upon all OF my remem-
brance OF you; for your fellowship 10
furtherance OF the gospel from the nrst
day until now; being confident that lie
who began a good work in you Will per-
feet IL until the day of Jesus Christ. For
God is my witness how / long after you
ali In the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.
And this / pray, that your love may
abound yet more and more in knowledge
and all discernment."
slt is Just % years since on this second
Sunday in December first looked in your
faces, brothers and friends, and began my
ministry among you. In this reckless
age 1t Is a peculiar longevity; 1t Is sugges-
live that we have borne each others
burdens and that we have had some
patience with each other. 1t Is
natural that we should take note OF this
uuarter OF a century and keep our silver
wedding. We are friends, and take an
old friends privilege OF talking to You,
and you understand that am talking In
the way that 1t familiar TO me-"
DIR. Richards referred TO Bishop Clarke,
who was unable to be present and who
celebrated his 10th anniversary last week,
saying: 81 began the study for the minis
try on the day he was ordained. Long
may Bishop Clarke be spared TO us and
may he soon be restored to health"
Continuing with his own career, DR..
Richards said that he was first trained for
another calling, but was turned by
severe personal trial to his present work.
His first charge was in Darlington, Mass.
During the civil war he was at Philadel-
phia, and at its close he took charge OF
pHrigh- IN Columbus, W AeFe--he
went for the purpose of building
= church and reviving the parish.
That done, he came to st. Johns in 1869,
and he thought he saw no reason why 1T
should not prove q happy home for an
indefinite period, as 1t has been ever since.
81 have no ambition for promotion"
said Dr. Richards. 81 recognize that my
lot has been cast in pleasant pastures; my
children have grown up about me here
and know no other home"
Referring to thev fie years just passed the
rector said: Today we are not, as yes
ferday, indulging in distant hopes, but
We are looking upon hopes re-
allied, and looking at dreams that
have come true. 1 little dared to
hope that the time was right for revival,
but 147 have been baptized, 9S Sconsecrated,
66 married and there have been 13O burials.
And I cannot but think of those who
would rejoice with US today, but who are
no longer with u.s."
Here DR.. Richards eulogized three de-
ceased members, Mrs. Lydia A. Trippe,
Miss Cornelia l.. Andrews and Thomas p.
!. Goddard. The first named founded the
mothers meeting and was noted for her
unAagging zeal and work among
the poor; Miss Andrews was close
with her in all good work:
"Her little form held giant heart and
her gentle sweetness and brave saintli-
ness made heritage not to be forgotten"
Mr.. Goddard, rs years ago was n warden of
the church. To him was largely due the
parish progress during the last few years.
"Five years ago / said we needed par
ish building and here 1t 10, solid brick
and stone building, adapted comfortably
for use. Experts tell us that We have
large value for tSe $4,000 expended and
the building has an endowment OF
$4,000. Its usefulness has far exceeded
my expectation. The coffee room Is
crowded by persons who elsewise frequent
barrooms or walk the streets. There are
various clubs, classes and other activities
now going forward.
"Do you wonder, brethren, that thank
GOO and take courage?0
At the opening of the Parish House, Or.
Richards hoped it would be instrumental
In bringing down the partitions between
the rich and poor, etc, and he rejoices to
be able to record today the accomplish
ment of many OF his hopes. Many ancient
prejudices have passed away as If in a
night.
Speaking of his assistant, DIR. Richards
said: "Very truly my faithful ana loyal
helper has justified that helpers would
make and find work for themselves. did
not ask for personal relief, and l was
never buster than today, but asked for
someone to expand the work, and have
been very happy in obtaining il.
81 dreamed i've years age of ST. Johns
as n free church. Some progress has been
made toward this desirable consumma-
tion; its support depends less upon pew
taxes and more upon the envelope system,
but regret to note that many hold aloof
from it,"
Dr. Richards took strong stand against
pew taxes and said "If we desire to keep
the church the home OF the educated and
the well-to-do, there is no better way
than TO keep up the pew system" He
said that the church floor would not for
ever be parceled out according TO the
ability OF the parishioners TO pay.
affll hnfa M ahan add ,,rrao-sI..