The San Francisco call., 1898-04-18
Elihu Anthony, First Pastor of the Church, Talks of
 Early Days.
MOTHER HEACOx PRESENT
Crossed the Plains in 1846 and Is the Oldest Member of the
 Congregation.
Special Dispatch to The Call.

Special Dispatch to The Call. SANTA CRUZ, April 17.-This has been golden day in the history of Santa Cruz Methodists, and, 1t might | be said, in the history of Methodism of the State. The. golden jubilee of Santa Cruz Church is being celebrated The class of twelve Methodists who banded 1 together for the cause of Christ in the pinoeer days of 184S builded better than | they knew. The church which they founded has grown until 1t numbers over 400 communicants, and is leading and aggressive in all good works.
 There was almost one continual meet | ing of prayer and praise in the church | from o'clock this morning until even | ing. The edifice presents a very fine appearance, the young people having decorate1 It elegantly for the occasion. Above the alcove back of the pulpit are golden figures "4S-9S"; ivy is fes- tooned above the choir loft and around the entire interior. The golden col ored Lady Banksia and Beauty of Gla- zenwood roses have been used in profu- sion. The chancel is a bower of beauty, a mass of ferns and flowers.
 Among the visitors who have already arrived to take part in the exercises are Bishop William Taylor, who as- sisted in the dedication of the first building of the Santa Cruz church in 1850; Rev. J. D. Hammond of the Meth odist Book Concern of San Francisco; pr. Eli McClish, president of the Uni- versity of the Pacific, College Park; Rev. W. s. Matthews, editor of the Christian Advocate; Rev. M. c. Briggs of San Jose; Rev. Alfred Higby of San Francisco, who was pastor of the church from 1856 to 1866; Rev P. G. Buchanan, from 1855 to 1856; Rev. Wes- l ley Peck, Los Gatos, 1876 to 1878; Rev. J. L. Trefren, Oakland, 1878 to 1881; l Rev. J. W. Bryant, 1884 to 1SS7 More will arrive tomorrow.
 At o'clock this morning the golden jubilee opened with an old-fashioned l Methodist love feast It was held in l the church partlorS, and they were crowded to the doors. It was an im- pressive sight. the old and young as- sembling at this service. The leader was the beloved and venerable Bishop William Taylor, the patriarch of Meth odism, who in the fifties was known as a street preacher of San Francisco, but who for the greater part of his life has been one of the most renowned mis- sionaries of the world, having been sta toned in Africa The old songs of Zion were sung and found responsive chord in the hearts of all present. The Bishop spoke briefly on the verse, Bless the Lord o my Soul and all that is within me bless his holy name" from Psalms, and this was the keynote of the meeting throughout. The stewards of the church distributed the elements typifying fellowship-bread and water and then for an hour veterans of the church gave testimony. Nearly every one who spoke had reached a good old age. It was an impressive hour.
 Elihu Anthony, the first pastor. and Mother Heacox, the oldest member of the church, who crossed the plains and arrived in Santa Cruz in 1S46, spoke with much feeling. Then there were Pastors Briggs, who labored with Bishop Taylor in early days; Mrs. M c. Briggs, who was the only mother present who had the honor of having son as pastor of Santa Cruz Church; Pastors Higby and Buchanan, Bryant, Trefren and Peck, whose "reminiscences were all interesting and inspiring. The time for closing came only too soon.
 When the time for the morning serv- ice arrived the church was crowded to the doors. Chairs were placed in all the aisles and many stood throughout The pastor, Rev. Thomas Filben, was in charge. Seated on the platform was the first pastor, Rev. Elihu Anthony, and visiting clergymen. The services opened with the doxology, followed by repeating of Apostles Creed. An an- them was sung by the choir, Rev. J. l.. Trefren of Oakland offered prayer and the scripture was read by Rev. J. w Bryant of Salinas. Bishop Taylor gave couple of interesting reminiscent ces of his work in Africa. A very fine tenor solo, Angels Around the Throne" was sung by Walter An thony.
 The jubilee sermon by Dr. Eli Me- Clish of the University of the Pacific was one of the grandest ever heard in this city. He read for his lesson the account of the transfiguration, as given by Saint Matthew. The sermon was eloquent and at times brought the en- tire audience to tears. At its close a number of young people united with the church on probation.
 Sunday school followed. At o'clock there was a sunset" meeting for per- sons over 50 years of age. It was led by F. D. Bennett. Here, for an hour and a half, testimonials and prayers were offered by persons who had passed their jubilee year in life. The univer- sal testimony was, Tt is good to be here"
 At 6:SO o'clock the parlors were crowded to the doors at the young peo- ples rally, led by Frank l.. Heath. A large congregation at night listened to a treatise form of sermon from Rev. w. S. Matthews of San Francisco
 Tomorrow nioht Rev. Eli Anthony will be honorary chairman and Judge Storey will preside. It will be an even ing of congratulations and reminiscence also. Mayor Clark will speak and all old pastors will have a few words It will conclude with reception in the church parlors.
 No News of the Pelican.
 VICTORIA, April 17.-Oficials of the