The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-02-22
DEDICATION AT RACINE, WIS.


and entirely remodeled Church of the
Good Shepherd at Racine, Wis, was
dedicated to religious uses. The occa.
sion was made memorable by the extin-
guishment of the debt incurred in re.
building, which when the services began,
amounted to $500. At the close every
dollar of this amount was pledged and
the Racine church enters upon new
period of prosperity untrammeIed by any
financial embarrassment.
The Editor of THE UNIvERsALIsT was
engaged to preach the dedication SER
mon, but was not made aware of any
further duty until he arrived in Racine.
Then it transpired that an appeal was
to be made for funds to extinguish the
debt. With this understanding the SER
vices proceeded. The congregation was
not large, but all present were evidently
deeply interested and expectation was
at its height as to the success of that
which was to follow the services of the
evening.
The exercises began at 8 o'clock by an
anthem from the choir. Rev. Mrs. OPP
dale followed with a devout invocation.
Rev. Mr.. Stillman read the Scriptures,
and the choir followed with another
anthem. Rev. Mr.. Grier then arose and
introduced DR.. Cantwell, who delivered
the sermon of dedication. 1.-THE objects
of the Christian church, said the speak
or as reported by the Racine Times, ''are
those of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is
Christian church; if it's pastor preach
es ethics, it will be Christian ethics; if
sociology, Christian sociology; If reforms
they will be preached in the name of the
Master. This church stands for three
great entitiee,-God the Universal Fa-
Their, Christ, the Universal Brother, and
the Holy Spirit, which is Gods influence
on the hearts of men. 1t dares proclaim,
as did Mrs. Chant in Chicago Sunday,
that God is the father of the murderer
as we'll as the most humble saint. The
most dangerous atheism of the age is
the atheism which denies the Universal
Fatherhood of God.'
The sermon over, after a hymn sung
by the congregation, Pastor Grier re-
viewed the history of the building enter
prise, and narrated the successive steps
which led up to the rebuilding of the
church. The building dedicated two
years ago was found too small for the
wants of the parish. 1t was not in other
respects adapted to their needs. En-
largement was decided upon; the work
had grown on their hands and 50, 500 re-
manned as the indebtedness to be dis
charged before the people could own
their own house of worship. $1,000 of
this amount was. however, in the shape
of permanent loan at 6 per. cent.
1t was not intended to disturb that
arrangement. but $500 was needed to
make things comfortable. II have asked
DIR. Cantwell to come here" said Mr..
Grier. "to do what have not the heart
to do. to ask for so much money when
you have already done so much. But
we will try it at any rate"
The platform work then began and
was continued for about an hour, the
responses amounting to $3.50, mostly
pledged in small sums. Just at this
point surprise. and beautiful one,
was sprung on the congregation. The
noble lady who had loaned the church
$1,000 and held the note of the trustees
for that amount, arose and made the
most eloquent speech of the evening.
IF this $500 is pledged tonight | will
cancel the parish note Of $1,000" The
effect of this unexpected offer was cleo
tic! Applause greeted the announce
ment, and before the platform exponent
had recovered from the surprise. several
new subscriptions poured in and the pas
tor was kept busy recording the names.
The lady who made this splendid gift
was thanked in the name of the parish
and the church at large for her munifi-
cent offering; and in few minutes the
remaining amount was reported as
pledged. perhaps 40 one," says the
Times twill ever know all the sacrifices
that those pledges represent. 1t was
not the first giving of scarcely person,
some having given again and again. If
any Racine church deserves to prosper
it is this church which has struggled so
nobly and now finds itself on its feet. Sc
cure for the future"
The dedicatory service was resumed,
a hymn of Joy and gratitude was sung;
DIR. Cantwell pronounced the sentence
of benediction; the pastor followed with
a fervent prayer, and the service was
ended with the doxology. Thus closed
an evening which. as the Times says,
"will go down in the annals of the church
as it's most glorious occasion"
For over half an hour the people re-
NAMED to exchange congratulations
over the successful results Of the even
ing. The lady who made the splendid
gift was the center of attraction and the
members of the parish crowded around
her to offer their personal thanks. If
it was, as all will agree, happy occa-
sion for the Church of the Good Shep-
herd. it was pre- eminently happy one
for this noble hearted lady whose bana-