The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-01-11
OUR MICHIGAN LETTER.
DECATUR.

The new church in Decatur was dedi-
Gated Dec. 1870. 1t stands on the
foundation of the one burned. with ex-
ira additions in front and rear. and is an
Improvement on the old edifice. The
unfortunate fire occurred in March last,
and since then the Y. P. G. U. has been
keeping up services by having meetings
and Sunday school in hall. A ten days
meeting was held at the time OF the
dedication. On Thursday afternoon Rev.
w. L. Gibbs of Concord preached; in
the evening Rev. T. w. Illman of Grand
Rapids; and Friday afternoon Rev. G.
A, Sahlin of Benton Harbor.
DEDICATION SERVICES.
On Friday evening the dedicatory SER
vices took place. The sermon was by
Bro. Gibbs, the dedicatory prayer by
Bro. Illman and the sentence of dedica-
ton by Bro. Sahlin. After the report of
the Building Committee which showed
a deficit of $40. Bro. Illman made an
appeal for funds to lift the debt. As
result only fifty dollars remains unpaid,
and this will be easily cleared up soon
Rain fell in torrents during the meetings
but goodly number we're present at all
services and at the dedication the church
was full. The people of this little place
deserve great credit for their courage.
The Sunday following the dedication
Bro. Gibbs preached in Decatur, his own
pulpit being supplied by Rev. 0. G.
Colegrove who was home on visit, and
celebrated the Lords Supper. At this
service he received into the church two
valuable members, Mr.. and Mrs. Thomas.
Larger audiences greeted the preacher,
and as help to them he is supply for
them again the last Sunday of January.
1t is thus the stronger parishes through
their pastors are doing good missionary
work in the weaker places.
PENNINGTON.
The Y. P. G. U. from the Church of
Our Father, Detroit intended to visit
this parish December 30. for the purpose
of starting Y. P. G. U. society; but on
account of the weather had to put it off
till the second Sunday of January.
Miss Carpenter, the pastor here, is
preaching at regular intervals at Ply
mouth eight miles distant This is the
way some of these smaller parishes must
be cared for, by joining forces.
DETROIT.
The pastor here is giving a series of
morning sermons on Religion in Prac-
tice" and is making the themes applica
BILE to the problems of the day. In the
evening he is giving series of lectures
on "Old New England and illustrating
the same with views specially prepared
for the series Of lectures. The different
organizations of the church are ap-
preaching their annual meetings and in
another letter we will give the results of
elections and plans for the new year.
GRAND RAPIDS.
has no special announcements to make
about itself, but its very quiet condition
is proof of the good condition of all de-
partments there. New music has re-
Gently been engaged so that this church
can congratulate itself on having the
best in the city. 1t is to be under the
direction of Mrs. Clara Davis, the leading
singer in Grand Rapids. Music is not
alone delightful to church goers who
love it, but it is tool of power for the
pastor. Poor music will often drive peo-
pie away from good preacher. Attrac-
tive music on the other hand will often
bring people within the influence of the
pastor.
NOTES PERSONAL
Hon. II. w. Parker of Claremont,
N. H., and former President of the
Universalist General Convention, with
his wife, spent the holidays in Detroit
with his daughter, Mrs. Lee S. McColles-
lester.