The Newtown bee., 1896-01-10

I gational church, held on Wednesday evening, January l, proved to be one of { the nost inter estipg and enjoyable gath sringa In the hiitory of the church Rev Otis W. Barker presided as toast and in a witty and taking man. ner introduced each speaker.
 Dea Henry Fsirchild, the first speak CT, had for his theme "Looking back ward," and he impressed his hearers with "reminiscences of Judge Blsckman and others prominent in the days when he was young.
 OAe of the best papers of he evening was that presented by Miss Effis Vol colt, her theme being "Our Sunday ser vices" She interestingly reviewed the services of the year, and voiced the sen- timent of the meeting in the hearty | praise she gave the pastor
 Treasurer L. c. Morris of the ecclesi' astical society gave an excellent report showing \ balance at the end of the year after all bills were paid.
 George F. Duncombe, the clerk and sreaaurer, stated that the benevolences of the church had amounted to $l9l s7 There had been no deaths during the year. MrsL.C c. Morris in g brief paper told an Interesting story of the Sunday after nosn meetings In .he districts, and of the good work accomplished.
 The Ladies' Aid society, one of the most energetic organizations in the church, was represented by its president Mrs W. N. Reynolds, who told of the work accomplished.
 Superintendent A. P. Smith of the Sunday school gave the membership of this organization as no, the largest at tendance being 7S. The school raised S74. 80 and expended $29.5s in benevo- lsnce.
 J. Smith responded to the toast, "Our Music" he paid compliment tn the excellent work of Mrs Andrews, the orEanist.
 MrsO. W. Barker, in speaking for the Ladiss' Missionary society, told of the xosd work accomplished. She closed with this sentiment, May what we have dens be an inspiration to better work iH the future, and may God bless our ef fsrts."
 The report of Miss Susie J. Scudder the efficient superintendent of the pri mary department, showed the good work which had been accomplished She closed with this sentiment, "Th5 old wear has gone, but it is with hope and trust that ws look forward to the new year, hoping to accomplish better things than we have ever done before
 Sheriff M. c. Rodgers spoke for the prayer meeting, urging the men or the congregation to support this important part of tho church work.
 Miss Hattie M. Northrsp, as president reported for the Young Ladies' Mission Circle. The report was well writer and llstened to wish the closest attention This society was organized in Noyem !. bsr, 1894, the object being to provid@ work by which the younger members O the church could contribute their shar' toward the practical wsrk of the church
 The pastor, Rev Otis W. Barker, wE , the last one upon the program, and tn' thsne set down for him waa "Lookina - Forward" In the opening sentence
 Mr Barker spoke in a playful way, aH
 surinx the people that they all knev they were "misersble offenders" and d. r, served downright scolding, but, sine ,. the papers of the evening had all been Il s the conSratulatory vein, he would tur1
 to that aide. He then went on to gay 'I congratulate you, first, my friends
 because you are here tonight. An llli
 nols farmer, Joshua, was reading froo , the Hewspa per to his wife, Mandy, 9Th
 thermometer fell in Chicago 30 degree
 on "Sakes alive" said Mandy ?. "I'd think people would git so the.
 wouldn't ever dare ride on lem, with s
 many gittin' Killed" Although thes
 dangerous thermometers have fallen
 good masy more than 30 degrees in tn last tive days, I am glad so many of yo If have ran the risk of them and come ou Q this evening. Again, I congratulate yc 1t bscause of the record of the work tha
 tAis church has dons In the past year.
 have had some swellings of pride since
 came in hers, and have felt myself grow
 ing bigger every minute. l know V [. ought not to glory in our works.
 know it is not works that saye us, bu faith; and yet we never think 1t wron to express our love and show our affee
 tien. May we not take what we hay D done in the past year as fit expressio
 of our leve to Christ?
 like, when I can, to get lesson b ' taking things we do In everyday If
 over into the realm of our religious life
 At this tims of the year business me ( reckon hsw they staHd; they scrutiniz
 carefully the debit and the credit aide Q
 the ledger. How many things must we }. as church, put on the debit side to ,. night. How thankful we ought to b . that death has so little invaded ou
 rank, that so many of those who are ey ' or an inspiration to us by their lives an
 whoas counsel we so much prize ar
 spared to see the dawn of this New Year T How thankful we should be that W
 move on se close together, filled witl \ harmony and tender in our lovs. Hoy thankful ws should be that our want have been net, that, In the midst Q these hard times, God has ss bountifull. provided for us all
 I want te thank you for your treat [. ment of me and mine, fer your kindl. 7 words, fer year generous acts. Thes P things brighten nany an hour, inspir
 many prayer, quicken many an effort enlarge many hsps. As you ara look ing forward Go the New Year and think ing af vomr cempanions for tho way, le