Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1895-11-14
Lutheran Centennial Services.

in the Lutheran Church of Shepherds
town. One hundred and thirty years
ago this church was organized (1765)
and in 1895, thirty years after, the
cornerstone of the present church build
ing was laid-just one hundred years
ago. 1t was in celebration of this
event that the special services were
held last Sunday. Among the ex-pas-
tors of the church still living are Rev.
DR.. Charles Martin, the oldest living
pastor of the church, who served this
congregation from 1887 to 1912, and
who is now living in st. Joseph, Mo-;
Rev. DR.. S. S. Sprecher, of San Diego,
Cal; Rev. DR.. Joseph A. Seiss, of Phil
adel phia Rev. DR.. R. c. Holland, Of
Charleston, S. c.; and Rev. D. NJ. Mo-
ser, of Schuylkill Haven, Pa. 1t was
expected that several of these would
be present, but on account of infrmi-
ties of age, and other reasons, they
were detained. Rev. ]. l. Miller, D..
D., however, who was pastor of this
church from 1860 to 1865, was present
and filed the programme as outlined
by the pastor and announced last week.
The special services opened on FRI
day night with sermon by DIR. Mil
Ter on the subject, The Rock that is
higher than l. 1t was precious set
ting forth of God as the Rock of Ages.
On Saturday night DR.. Miller gave
many personal "reminiscences Of his
pastorate here. 1t covered the period
of the late war, during which there
were many distracting influences at
work making the upbuilding of the
church almost an impossibility. But
while many churches were torn asun-
der by political strife, and others al
most died by reason Of disintegrations,
the Lutheran Church under DR.. Mil
ler's wise and efficient ministery was
held together and large accessions were
made to the membership, especially
through the revivals, many Of whom
still remain as substantial members OF
the church.
On Sunday at II o'clock an immense
congregation gathered in spite of the
rain. Rev. Hockey read at this SER
vice letters of congratulation and per-
sonal "reminiscences from ex-pastors
Drs. Seiss, Martin and Sprecher, and
Rev. Moser, all of whom expressed
their kindly remembrance of the Shep-
herdstown church and their affection
ate regard for a people among whom
some of the most pleasant years OF
their pastoral life were spent. Then
followed the History of the Church,
by DR.. Miller. This was clear, full,
accurate and concise history of the
church from its organization in 1765
down to the present, together with the
main incidents in the pastoral life OF
each minister. The service was high
ly enjoyed, and profitable. A noble
tribute was paid to the fathers of the
church who laid so well the founda-
tons of this church, and who have now
entered into rest. This historical adj
dress will be published in pamphlet
form for distribution and preservation
among the records of the church.
On Sunday night another large con-
gregation assembled to enjoy the last
service of this anniversary occasion.
Rev. DIR. Miller again addressed the
congregation on the subject, Some ell
ements that have led to the prosperity
of the Church. The speaker men
toned as among the decisive elements
of prosperity an affectionate appre-
citation of and consideration for the
pastor, both spiritually and material
ly unity throughout the membership;
cooperation with the pastor; vital
Godliness, personal responsibility and
an able line of ministers. This was
an eloquent address, manifesting a
thorough acquaintance with the his
tory of the church and a complete
knowledge of elements of churchly
strength. The speaker gave glowing
eulogy of the present condition Of the
Lutheran Church, and an appeal to
make the future history brighter than
the past. The pastor then made few
appropriate closing remarks and the
service was concluded. DR.. Miller
service throughout was highly enjoyed
by our people and his mastery dis
courses will be long felt in the future
| life Of the church.
The music in these services was Of
a high order and the decoration beau
tiful and artistic. The occasion will
not soon be forgotten.
Important Question to be Settled.
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