Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-02-20

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS plOidI AIiD-
utes From Societies and Individ-
uals.
The funeral services over the remains
of the late Mrs. Annie Sinclair Cunning
ham took place yesterday afternoon at
two o'clock. at the First Presbyterian
church. of which the husband CT the de-
ceased has been the pastor for twenty
years. The congregation was one OF the
largest. il not the largest. that ever as
sembled within the walls OF the edilce
The church is one of the largest in the city
but the seating capacity was by no means
ample to accommodate the number OF peo-
pie who came TO pay their tribute OF love
and respect 10 the memory OF the deceased.
AS stated by one of the ministers who
addressed the congregation. the deceased
was the best known woman Of the COM
munity. Not that every body had per-
sonal acquaintance with her, but OHat the
results of her life and work during many
years of service IN the community had
caused people to know Of her and revere
hen for her character and talents.
This fact was attested to by the nature
of the congregation present during the tu-
neral services. Not only were the members
of the First Presbyterian church present
but members from nearly every church
congregation in the city, and people who
were not identified with any church. II
was indeed an occasion OF deep sorrow.
This was evident from the many saddened
and tear-stained faces observed in all
parts Of the congregation. The services
were particularly impressive and touch
ing As the funeral procession. including
the relations OF the deceased and the pail
bearers with the earthly romans of one
so generously beloved. entered the church,
a prelude was softly played by the organ
ist. Mr.. Joseph Rhees. The psll-bearers,
Dr. $ L. Jepson. Alfred PAUL, +. II.
Williams. Col. Robert White, Myron Hub
bard. and H. NJ Russell. elders OF the
church, deposited their burden gently at
the foot OF the altar. which was, adorned
with palms and many beautiful floral
offerings. The latter were quite numerous
and were laid in profusion around and
upon the sombre black casket. Among
them were a floral cross from the Board
OF Lady Managers OF the Home for Aged
and Friendless Women, cut flowers from
the ladies Of the First Presbyterian church
congregation; lilies from the King
Daughters OF the church; white carna-
lions from the Junior Kings Daughters;
palms from the Women's Home and Mis-
slonary societies; besides floral tributes
from the Sidney OFT Mission Band, and
great many individuals.
Places had been reserved in the church
9 Ha
Home for Aged and Friendless Women
and the Sidney OFT Mission Band. Pastors
OF the city and neighboring churches were
seated near the altar. and the following
ministers took seats back of The pulpit:
Rev J. II. Litteu. pastor of the L. p.
church: Rev DR.. r. Rush Swope rector
OF St Matthew's: Rev. Jacob Birmingham.
rector OF St. Luke's: Rev. Joseph Speer,
pastor Of Second Presbyterian church;
Rev. DR. w. II. Lester. pastor of the Pres
byterian church Of West Alexander Pa;
Rev. Lafferty Greer. pastor of the Stone
church; Rev. DR.. Alexander, pastor Of
the s.. Clairsvlle Presbyterian church;
Rev. r. r. Bigger. pastor of the Third
Presbyterian church, Rev. DR.. J. L. Sooy,
pastor of Fourth street NJ. z. church; Rev.
W H. Hayden, pastor of First Christian
church.
Following the prelude. MY Heavenly
Home" a sacred selection was beautifully
rendered by the church choir, composed
Of Mrs. Flora Williams. soprano; Mrs.
PEBBLES Tatum, alto; W. b. Day, tenor,
and II. W. Hughes. basso. Rev. Joseph
Speer read an impressive Scripture lesson
and Rev l.. Greer delivered an earnest
prayer. Rev. DR.. Sooy read the hymn,
Thy viii BE- Done"
Rev. DR.. Lester made an eloquent and
touching address. The speaker was so
affected al times that his voice trembled.
Speaking of the deceased. he said: 80
loved was she at home, by her friends,
and in her own church, yet the Master
loved here more and one of the cardinal
doctrines that underlles the foundation of
our church is the sovereignty of God. He
never does anything by chance, and his
hand is in every event of our lives. our
sister has entered heaven and gone to a
heavenly rest. and we must recognize that
it is the father who uses the rod. The
nearer we get to him while he holds the
rod, the lighter the blow and the greater
the blessing. The cry of the Lord at
Gethsemene was Thy will be done. and
the minister said these words of resigna-
ton had been repeated by the deceased
with sublime faith just before her death.
She had come from Cody parents and
people. Her father was a minister. and
his instructions led her nearer to the
Savior early in life"
Or. Lester spoke particularly Of her
character. and said that whether at home
or abroad, and every place. her words were
with every act and in all her work-'For
Jesus sake" She was gifted with a rare
mind. had strong mental faculties and
possessed unusual executive ability. She
was a deep Bible student. She was one
of the most unselhsh persons I ever knew.
It was her delight to sacrifice for others.
and she frequently denied herself ease
at her own home to go out and relieve
others sufferings. Her gifts brought her
high positions in life, and in her home in
Philadelphia. while her husband was pas
tor there. she was one of the organizers
Of the Women Foreign Board of the
Presbyterian church. and was ono Of its
most useful members until she was called
away. Twenty years ago, when she came
10 Wheeling. she organized missionary So
cieties In every church Of the Presbytery
and as a result missionaries from these
churches have gone all over the world.
In this city. the Home for Aged and
Friendess Women originated with her
and she succeeded in interesting others in
this benevolent work She loved this
church. and eternity alone will reveal the
greatness Of her work in It's midst"
Rev DR.. Lester beautifully typifed the
character of the deceased in the few