The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-03-30
DEDICATION OF
PECKVILLE CHURCH
II VIII Be the Worsbippiug Place OF the
Presbyterians Of That Town.
VERY IMPRESSIVE CEREMONIES
yeveraI of the Presbyterian Ciorgy-
men OF This City Participated in
the Exercises in Connection with
Dedicnticn-- Edifice Is Free from
Debt--The Dedication of 1t Was
Delayed Until All the Financial
Encumbrances Were Removed.

The dedication of the First Presby-
terian church at Peokville was cele-
brated last evening and despite the un-
favorable weather was a delightful oc-
casion and was largely attended. The
pretty edhce was lavishly decorated
with potted plants under the direction
of a committee of which Mrs. Jerome
Lillibridge was chairman.
The congregation felt a commendable
pride in the service, as it was unique
in the respect of having no collection
taken. The church was completed
three years ago, but respecting an
earnestly expressed wish of much
honored member, the late Ambrose
Brundage the dedicatory service was
delayed until the society was free from
debt.
An incident in connection with this
will interest and touch the hearts of
many residents of this city is that the
last fifty dollars which wiped out the
mortgage was given by William II.
Smith, who yesterday was laid away
forever from the sight of those who
loved him. Although the money was
not subscribed, his intention simply
having been mentioned with regard to
the matter, yesterday before the burial
IL CIeCh was TeCtlNtu tuS tSltllGt
thus clearing the Indebtedness.
A programme of exceeding excellence
was prepared and with the exception
of two unavoidable changes was car
ried out Rev. Df games Mcleod was
unable to be present and owing to the
sad intelligence of his sons serious ILL
ness, Rev. DR.. s. C. Logan was also
absent
The exercises opened with the doX-
ology. sung by choir and congregation,
followed by prayer by Rev. George T..
Guild, Of the Providence Presbyterian
church. Rev. 3. r. Hammond, of Oily
phant, read the scripture lesson. The
music under direction of w. w. Wat
kins, II. w. Peck choirmaster, was Of
q high order and number of beauti-
full selections were rendered. Miss
Anna Cecilia Sands, recently Of the
Boston conservatory, sang "There is a
City Bright" with excellent effect. Mr..
Watkins sang most pleasingly a bari
tone solo ry Protheroe, THE Lord is
My Shepherd"
DIR. LANSING'S SERMON.
Rev. DR.. Isaac j. Lansing, of the
Green Ridge Presbyterian church, de-
iivered a brilliant sermon, and the pas
tor, Rev. DR.. s. II. Moon gave valu-
able and most interesting address. DIR.
Moon has occupied the pulpit but q
short time, but has already had mar
velous success in his work and his ad-
dress was awaited with much eager
ness. 1t was largely historical and re-
lated to the incidents connected with
the project of erecting an edifice which
at first was proposed TO be a chapel.
Later 1t was realized that the people
were willing to make great sacrifices to
build church, and accordingly plans
were made by Architect Duckworth for
the existing structure, the cost of which
with the lot was $1,000.
DR.. Moon spoke of Mr.. Brundage's de-
sire, reiterated before his death, that
the church should not be dedicated un-
til all debt was removed and doubted
not that the glorified spirit of the ap-
sent brother retoiced in the consumma-
tion of this hope. He then gave a SER
les Of figures illustrating the energy
and sincerity of the people, who small
in numbers. had succeeded in their aim
with such rapidity. The Ladies' Aid
society had in various ways secured
S661.60. The Young Peoples society or
ganized June 6. 1894, had raised $500 81
A debt of $1,700 remaining, had just
been met, the last amount received be.
ing $50 pledged by w. II. Smith.
DR.. Moon considered this a remark
able showing for these hard times, ol
for any times. He then said
1T was found necessary in transact.
ing the business to give a new note
one month ago, but reduced to $3.50
With the aid of subscriptions actually
paid in and last of all the grant from
'Sthe board of church erection the note
was paid this morning to the bank in
full. We devoutly praise our Father
The Lord has also crowned the efforts
with great spiritual blessing in largely
increasing the congregation. Sunday
school and prayer meeting attendance
and in the addition of II persons tC
the church with the prospect of con.
siderable addition at the communion
next Sunday.
A REMARKABLE SHOWING.
"The spectacle of church number
ing at the last report only SO members
removing in two years such compare
lively large Indebtedness deserves Il
be recorded among the heroic annals
Of the Presbytery of Lackawanna.
1.-The church edifice beautiful for sit
uation and the pride of the whole town
is ready to be dedicated to the servic
OF the True God, an offering on tn
part of loyal and loving people t,
their God and Savior Jesus Christ, T.
Whom with the Father and Holy Spir
It be all the praise and glory. foreve
more. Amen"
Rev. DIR. C. e. Robinson of the Sec
ond Presbyterian church, Scranton
made the closing prayer.
oLYPHANT.