The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-09-07
NEW CHURCH DEDICATED.
An Interesting service sermon by Rev.
Van Orsdcl.


Van Orsdcl.
SpeciaI Correspondence of the Standard.
Libby, sept "A very interesting
service was held at Libby on Aug y
and Is. during which time the hand
some new church at that place was
dedicated. Prior to n review OF what
occurred at that place on the dates
mentioned a bit Of history relative to
the building Of the new church might
not he amiSs at this time.
Less than a year ago the scanty band
of Christian workers at Libby at that
time conceived the idea Of building a
place of worship. and an inspection OF
the treasury showed a balance of )
cents. Cherishing the adage, Little by
little the acorn grew and spurrcd by
a true Christian spirit, those people
were not at all discouraged at the
smallness of the FUND to begin with.
1t was added to. and by popular
subscription enhanced, then fortified
by all sorts of entertainments for the
benefit of the church fund, and II kept
growing. Al the proper time, when
times were otherwise duh, in the dead
of winter when snow was the deepest.
a call was made for volunteers to
bring their axes and saws, and the tim
Der of the forest was soon hewn into a
church. during which time free board
was furnished the laborers by the la
dies of the church and their assistants.
In an incredible short time the church
was up and under cover. This was fol-
lowed in a short time by an appropri-
alton from the Montana conference,
and a belfry. siding and paint was then
added and a most excellent church ed
ifce is now a standing monument to
the courage and effort Of a handful of
earnest workers whose hearts are hlled
with a desire to do good.
IL was this church nat was dedicated
on the eve of Aug. 2S. and the ceremony
was witnessed by more than 200 people,
who marveled at such an accomplish
ment.
The services at this church began on
Aug. q and lasted until after the dod-
ication. during which time one new
member Was added to the church and
many more signifed their intention of
uniting with that congregation. The
service began with what is termed a
donation social i'm the evening Of the
first day, and a liberal donation was
placed at the disposal Of the new pas
tor, Rev. James Opie. The social was
followed by a patriotic programme, each
rendition of which well merited APP
plause.
ON the following day there was un-
day school at $50. ollOwed by divine
service by Rev. Van Orsdel. whose
plain. unmistakable truths touched the
hearts OF every listener. At the con
clusion of this service was administer
ed the sacrament of the Lords supper.
In the afternoon a social service was
led by Rev. j. NJ. Eastland, the former
pastor, to whose energies are greatly
due the building of the new church,
and the happy members Of this ocCa-
sion have not got over the warm re-
ception yet.
Al s p. m. the building was crowded
TO its utmost capacity TO listen for the
first time to the words of their new
pastor, Rev. James Opie. and 1t is put
ting ii lightly to say hat that reVer-
end gentleman did not disappoint his
hearers. The fondest hope Of a most
arnes people became an accomplished
fact, and each felt that their prayers
had been answered and a minister sent
TO their midst who vas fully able to
cope with scoffer and skeptiC. and,
per chance. bring even these from their
lairs of w1ckedness to the bright sun
light of truth and goodness.