The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-08-08
THE G0OD-LUOK EXCURSION.


home OF Universalism in America. It
was not large company, but made up
in true pilgrim spirit and devotion what
it lacked in numbers. The journey of
three hours, the walk from the un-
sheltered railroad landing down the
sandy lane where Potter and his long
waited for Murray often walked; Muir
ray Grove. the Potter church, the new
Memorial church, and the burial ground
close by. the walk opposite, down an
other lane to the Potter home, and on
to Cranbury Inlet, have all been des-
cribed from time to time in story and in
song till all our reading Universalists
need no new rehearsal of the theme
which is to become more and more his.
toric and sacred in the future of our
beloved church.
The hotel, with ample accommoda-
tions and new airy dining hall, is vel
managed by large hearted Christian
men and women. Excellent meals are
served at very moderate price. To
and from the station free rides were
given to the inhrm and aged, myself,
counting by years. being the oldest of
our party.
A goodly company. fifty or more. were
seated at the tables. Rev. F. w. Miller
returned fetvent thanks for the signal
blessings of the hour and the day. 1t
was much regretted that several, among
them Rev. A. G. Grier, had to return
early in the afternoon. Friends were
there from Waretown, Forked River,
and other places. In social chat, l
learned that aid societies, cuttings, and
church entertainments were held in the
spacious hotel rooms during the quiet
seasons of the year by societies several
miles away.
At P. M. the CHI urch bell called to
worship. Soon the scattered pilgrims
assembled, a grateful number, "all with
one accord in one place." After singing
led by Mrs. Collins and responsive Scrip
ture lesson and consecrating. fervent
prayer by Bro. Miller, Captain Newbury
of Waretown told, in brief. the old but
ever new story of Potter and Murray in
founding the church of which we are
proud and thankful today to be mem
bers. Last and most appropriate in the
church was the Holy Communion in
charge of Bros. Butler and Miller. This
do in remem brance of Christ" was i'm
pressively repeated from seat to seat as
the embiems of loving sacrifice were par
taken. At the door, after the closing
hymn and benediction, flowers were
presented each, and in procession all
marched to the grave of Potter. After
fervent prayer by Rev. Nellie Mann
Opdale, of Racine, Wis.,, and singing of
hymn, all passed around the green
iron railing that surrounded the grave,
dropping flowers over the cherished dust
with bowed heads and uplifted hearts.
Another hymn and the benediction
closed the services
doubt not few of the reverent COM
pany felt that next to the land of our
Saviour, no spot on earth is more sacred
to true Universalist than the spot
where the Fatherhood Of God and the
Brotherhood of Man was born in Ameri-
ca.
The first religious book l ever read
was the Life of John Murray. l wish
all parents would be sure to have their
children read it early. Then ] remem-
Der hearing my grandmother tell of hear
ing John Murray preach. Let us who
have long been blessed by our cheerful
faith, help to circulate the Life of Muir
ray among our young people.
In August there will be larger gath er-
ings at Murray Grove, and continuous
meetings of instruction and worship, as
has been for several years. The only
regret heard expressed was that there
were no relics to purchase, 1t was eug-
gested that the Potter home be bought,
and some of the timber going to waste
be utilized for profit, and to crafty
strangers. Thus pilgrimage long de-
sired was accomplished that day by
many, and no one more thankful to God
and to kind friends. especially to Charles
A. Miller and family than the Y. P. G.
U.s.-Mrs. L. w. BroUn, IN OnaUard.