Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1895-06-20

ABILENE LUTHEkAMS AbkVAU.
Rev. Dr.. Haithcox Writes Interest.
. ingly Of the Synod
. Special to the Reflector
HAGERsTowN, Nd, June lS.-From
, Abilene to Hagerstown, Nd, is a ride
Of almost LOO miles by way Of St.
Louis, Cincinnati and Parkersburg
over the great B. & 0. system Of rail
way. In Kansas we saw tho big corn
and potatoes, in Illinois some good
wheat and some very poor, but here
in Maryland the wheat gives promise
Of a most bountiful harvest. Clover
and timothy are good, corn small,
fruit prospects good, and Strawberries
are abundant Of large and most ex-
cellent varieties. 1t is said that the
people Of Hagerstown have discovered
that that Lutheran preachers are as
fond Of the luscious strawberry as
Methodist preachers are Of the
domestic, cackling bird. With
pleasant weather, kind hosts, en-
thusiastic meetings, excursions and
ecclesiastic festivals, Of course J. 4.
Brewer and his Kansas colleague are
having grand good time.
The general synod is largely at
tended, and being in a Lutheran
country and city, the visitors are
many and the congregations are
magnificent. The four dailies Of this
little city keep the people posted on
the talkings and workings of the
synod assembled
Abilene has friends in this good
country and many inquiries are made
after persons and things in and about
the city Of Sand Springs water. Our
good brother Seabrook was most
eager inquirer and sends good-heart-
ed greetings to all. He is delighted
with his Virginia home. His genial
disposition left blessing with us
and we wish quickening sunshine,
cool breezes and refreshing showers
Cts raining now for him.
Last Saturday afternoon sixteen Of
us chartered four-in-hand, horses
white and well plumed, and drove to
the Antietem battlefield, distant from
here fourteen miles. There 1t was
that bled for my country and yours,
now our country, whose union has
been sealed with the mingled blood Of
the blue and gray May it be one
and inseparable, forever.
On Sunday morning | had the
pleasure Of occupying the pulpit Of
Rev. DR.. Kieffer, pastor Of the First
German Reformed church Of this city,
a church 1876 years old. DR.. Kiefer
has been the pastor % years. A
grand good man he is, highly esteem
ed by his own people and loved by all.
He inquired after and sends greetings
to the esteemed pastor Of the Re-
formed church Of Abilene.
On Tuesday evening the Lutheran
ladies Of this city gave royal recep- |
ton to the general synod and four
or five hundred enjoyed the cake, ice
cream and fruits-and then DR.. Owen
announced that ten gallons Of cream
and thirty cakes yet remained.
Wednesday, an excursion to Gettys-
burg, Pa, thirty-six miles distant.
About 800 went. Lutheran ladies Of
that city served free dinner. By
means Of the trolley cars and other
wheeled transfers the great battle
field was visited where the greatest,
and the decisive battle Of the late war
was fought. 1t is here Gettysburg
where are located Pennsylvania col
lege and Gettysburg Seminary, for
the improvement Of the property Of
which 1888, have been recently
spent. Along the miles of the line Of
battle and where the heroes fought
and fell stand magnificent monu-
ments Of stone, iron and marble. All
that country is richer for the valor
there recorded, the blood there shed,
and the country there saved
Today we are very busy trying to
do the work Of two days in one, that
we may adjourn tonight and start
home or elsewhere tomorrow. All
work Of the general synod shows
the work Of the board
Of education. Three thousand dol
lars were raised on the floor for this
board for the salary Of a professor Of
in our Western seminary.
We are pleased.
Across the mountains and rivers
| throw good wishes, whilst
| make ready to turn my face south
ward. H. c. HAITHcox.
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Another Sunday Excursion.