The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1895-05-31

fortune of his co-workers This new
church will enable this society to do a
broader and more effective work, thereby
advancing the common cause of humani-
ty.
/ am here. tonight to assure you of the
hearty cooperation of the several church
organizations of this city, and to extend
congratulations in their behalf / am
sure it is their wish that this new build
ing in its results for good may surpass
your fondest hopes.
The response on behalf of the church
and society to the congratulatory addresses
was made by Supt. j. w. Simmons, who
in part said:
To you gentlemen who represent some
of the business interests of this city, and
who have brought us words of welcome,
congratulation and encouragement, we
extend our thanks, and through you to
the community our thanks in like meas
ure as they have come to us.
This enterprise has been made possible
by the liberality of the community out
side of the membership of the Baptist
society.
We did not ask your aid as suppliants,
as charity seekers, as those who seek
aims; but we went to you with business
enterprise, as those who meet each other
because the business measure is of mutu-
al benefit. We went to you as one of you
has said because we have earned the
right. Earned it by the examples of
morality for which the church stands in
the community, and by the lessons taught
that distinguish the wrong from the
right. You say the church schools men
to be honest and honesty is ever market
able in the community. You say we
have assumed large financial obligations,
but from your knowledge of the society
and the community they will be prompt
ly met. 1t will be so if we consider our
selves as holding our property in trust,
and by giving to the erection of this edi-
flee we are merely paying back with in
terest an obligation that has been COM
mitted to our care.
You say surroundings are educative.
Those words have deep significance.
The surroundings are educative, but that
education may be widely different. The
church appeals to what is best in man;
develops his nobility, purifes his speech
and actions. There are surroundings
that teach lessons the very opposite.
You have mentioned an epoch of church
building. Within six years several beau
tiful edifces have pointed their spires
toward the clear blue that surrounds the
stars; our school facilities have been
largely increased; factories, mercantile
houses, numerous homes and various
public improvements have rapidly come
forward. Take away the influence of the
church and these things would never
have materialiZed.
This church edifice has been the scene
of numerous incidents in the life of indi-
viduals and the community. Could the
walls give back the history of these years
they would tell wondrous story. Here
some have given their heart to God, and
from here some have been borne to their
last earthly home. From one standpoint
there may be deep occasion for regret,
but as for me leave this edifice without
any remorse L have read of one who
being asked if he did not approach the
end of life with regrets, replied, 81 am
like one who has selected home in some
distant enchanted isle or land. Foryears
he has been transferring his art treasures
and identifying In every possible way the
place in which he soon expects to go. So
much of that which delights has been
transferred that the time for going is ac-
companied with pleasure instead of re-
morse"
So it is myself. From the time the
first pencil stroke was made by the arch
itect until this hour, have been trans
ferring my hopes, my expectations, my
desires, and at this time / find myself
about to leave this old edifice and in say
ing adieu look back with satisfaction,
and forward with brighter ideals to
realize.
At the close of the exercises Pastor
Matteson said that as the church had
been dedicated by prayer it seemed APP
propriate that the last services in the
building should be concluded with sea-
son OF prayer. Accordingly those who
wished were invited to remain
after the public service for short season
of prayer and conference. Rev. Kingsley
of Albion, N. Y, was present and assist
ed Pastor Matteson in the evening SER
vices.
The social and reunion held in the
church last evening, mention of which is
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