The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-05-04

way. The first response was $1,000.
Other small offerings followed; then
$500 from Mr.. Owen, who had already
paid like sum; next pledges of $3.50. 300,
$50, $25 and down as low as So. For
nearly one hour and half the work
continued, with result which was en-
couraging, but not decisive. More than
one-half the indebtedness remained at
the close of the morning service. Notice
was given that the work would be re-
sumed in the afternoon and if necessary
in the evening; and that the dedicatorY
rites would not be pronounced until the
debt was pledged to the last dollar.
Afternoon Service.
At $3.50 the congregation came to-
gether again and many new friends were
in the audience, which was larger than
in the morning. After the sermon by
DIR. Cantwell the platform work was re-
sumed and continued with even more
spirit than in the morning. Unexpected
help came to the relief; and in small
subscriptions, cash, and pledges the
afternoon closed with two-thifds of the
indebtedness pledged.
The Debt Finally Conquered.
In the evening the third service of the
day was held. 1t was another platform
exercise and the attack on the debt was
resumed. The congregation filed every
space and fifty chairs we're called into
requisition. Announcement was again
made that the church would be dedi-
Gated, but not until the debt was con-
quered. The patience of the audience
was requested. The spirit of this last
service was unexampled in the history
of church building in Charles City. The
entire congregation seemed willing to be
represented in some way in the grand
deliverance. 1t took another hour and
half until the end was reached. But
it was reached and successfully. The
last remaining thousand was pledged.
The Ladies Society came in with $500
toward the end of the protracted service.
and the Y. p. G. U. pledged 500. Be-
tween $500 and $500 was secured in
small pledges-the majority IS subscrip
tions or five dollar bills. Twenty-one
persons rose at call for S1.00 subscrip-
tions to make up balance. The final
5000 was pledged by six individuals who
had already given generously, DR.. Bishop
and Mr.. Owen leading. 1t was after 9
o'clock when the Secretaries reported
that $1,000, or more, had been secured
and the pleasing duty fell to the lot of the
Editor to announce that the debt Of the
church had been honorably pledged.
Applause greeted the welcome announce
ment.
The Church Dedicated.
Rev. Messrs Palmer, BEEN, and Null
holland briefly addressed the congrega-
ton congratulating all upon the splen-
did victory achieved. The dedicatory
exercises followed. An original hymn
prepared for the occasion was sung;
Rev. Mr.. BEEN read the dedicatory scrip
lures; Rev. Mr.. Palmer offered the
prayer and Rev. DIR. Cantwell pro
nounced the sentence Of dedication. The
doxology was sung in conclusion. But
it was half an hour later when the con-
gregation finally dispersed. The mem
bers remained to congratulate each
other over the great result of the happy
day. 1t was a new experience for
Charles City, and more delighted
people and pastor there was not in the
land that night. Every one realized that
agreat burden had been lifted and rolled
off as Pilgrims fell away, in the allegory.
Everything is now favorable for the
Charles City parish becoming one of the
strong societies of Iowa. 1t is composed
Of an excellent people who value their
church privileges and who have done
nobly thus far in their history. They
will not soon forget the memorable
Sunday when their church was dedi-
Gated. Thanks again to one and all who
contributed to the splendid result. es-
pecially to the young pastor, who in a
modest and unassuming way, was noble
helper of the Editor in the great strain
OF the protracted platform services.