The record-union., 1897-12-27
4 GENUINE CHRISTMAS GIFT.
NEW ORGAN FOR THE AFRICAN
M. e. CHURCH.
Miss Sarah II. Jones' Surprise for
the Members Of the Con-
gregation.

There was a Christmas praise service
at the Seventh-street A. NJ. E. Church
last night. For the occasion the church
choir had long had in preparation some
special pieces, and that they might be
given with proper accompaniment by
Mr.. Page, the organist, a new and very
fine instrument had been borrowed, an
organ very rich in tone of the latest
style, having eleven stops, two knee
pedals or swells, and a sub-bass.
The Dlusicwas given with spirit by the
choir Of nine persons, under direction
of Mrs. Page, contralto. The leading
soprano, Mrs. Emma Washington, who
has a superior voice, strong, sweet and
expressive, sang a solo with profound
effect. The concluding chorus was no.
tably devotional and appropriate to a
Christmas praise service.
Rev Mr.. Jones preached a short SER
mon from the text Thanks be to God
for His unspeakable gift."-II. Cor,
9-15 1t was a fervent and devout
Christmas sermon. The annual offer
ing for the support of the church was
then in order, the givers advancing to
the pulpit rail and depositing their Of
ferings, the praise service of song the
meanwhile continuing.
Then there We're more songs, and the
spirit Of Christmas tide was abroad in
that congregation, which was large and
devotional.
Presently the pastor interrupted, say
ing to the people that he was too full
of good feeling to longer keep a secret
entrusted to him. His people had long
desired new organ. That belonging
to the church was worn out and of no
more account. 1t had been pushed
into corner and a beautiful instru-
ment borrowed for the Christmas praise
service. Now you would like to keep
it," he added. IF 1 should put it to
vote you would all vote to keep it, if
only you could see your way to pay for
it. You would have this beautiful in
strument, but you cannot. How, by
it's support these singers could lead US
in praise to God for His mercies and
in His honor. the better. Well, have
received a letter. 1t is a surprise. 1t will
surprise you as it did me. Here 1t is:
Sacramento, Dec. "a, 1S97.-To the
Honorable Board of Trustees Of the
Seventh-street A. M. E. Church-Hon-
ored Sirs: DESTROYS Of perpetuating the
memory Of my dear sister, the beloved
wife Of Thomas Gray of Chicago, who
died on the I'd day of May, 1897, I beg
your acceptance of the accompanying
organ on behalf of the members of the
Seventh-street A. NJ. E. Church.
MY ardent prayer is that the instru-
ment, SO intimately allied with sacred
worship may inspire our people with
greater fervor in praising and glorify
ing our Heavenly Father. / have the
honor to subscribe myself, very faith
fully yours, SARAH NJ. JONES'"
There was a momentary pause, then,
despite the building being a church and
the cay the Sabbath, there broke out
applause, low, but general, sincere and
feeling. That the Christmas gift was
complete surprise no one could doubt.
The people could scarce restrain them
selves while the choir sang the closing
ode, in which many Of the audience
We're too full Of emotion to sing. Then,
with a word Of acceptance of the men,
orial instrument. and a simple, fervent
line of prayer and of blessing upon the
donor, the pastor dismissed his people.
Then such a commotion--there were
tears. and God bless you!' and cries
GUS surprise. Miss Jones was showered
with thanks and blessings by old men
and women, by youths and children
who, between tears and laughter and
expressions of astonishment, wrung her
hand until she had to beg off.
All in all, it was a most affecting and
yet most joyous scene. 1t has been
many year since the little church on
Seventh street has received a Christ
mas or any other present, and the emo
ton Of its communicates may there
fore be imagined and their expressions
of delight understood
AS the people departed, in a babel Of
voices of establishment and joy, Organ
ist Page affixed a beautiful silver mem
orial tablet to the handsome and pow
erful instrument, and the modest little
church surprise on Seventh street had
passed into church history.