The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-03-21
DANISH CHURCH DEDICATED.
Cosy and Beautiful Place OF Worship on
Mayo Street.

Just around the corner of Cumberland
street, on Mayo street, stands small,
neat sanctuary, end on an inlaid stone
are inscribed these words: "This Danish
Evangelical Lutheran Church, built 1897,
and was dedicated March 20, 1885,"
For the past nine years the members OF
this congregation have worshipped in the
vestry of the Preble street chapel, and in
October last, ground was broken for the
construction of new church building,
which is now finished. 1t is about 70 feet
long and 80 wide and the plans were
drawn by j. G. Bruins. 1t has 80 peWs,
capable OF seating over 300 Pensioners
and the walls of the interior are clouded.
with a decorated aroh and yellow frieze.
1t is finished in natural wood, heated
by steam and lighted by electricity. Back
of the chancel rail is beautiful pic
ture of Christ in frame presented to the
congregation by A. Lauritsen, under
meath which are the words, "Ssek ye the
Kingdomlof God and His righteousness. y
The pulpit is in gothic style and wes
the gift Of C. Holt, while the baptismal
font was from NJ. Nielsen, and two at
tractive chandeliers were provided by a
party of the young people of the congre-
cation.
The vestry for. Sunday school and social
purposes is nicely filled up and will seat
over 1926 people while the highest point
of the steeple is about so feet from the
ground. The cost was about S400, not
including land and these were the COM
mittees: On building. J. G. Bruins,
chairman; P. Carson, G. Carson, H..
vibe and A. l.. Larsen; on finance, Rev.
r. Nielsen, A. Lauritsen, A. Bruins, B.
Thompson.
Yesterday morning at $50 o'clock in
the presence of an audience which filled
every available seat, the dedicatory SER
vices took place which were followed by
the pastor, Rev. Mr.. Nielsen, who was as
sisted by Rev. Mr.. Petersen of Boston,
and by Rev. A. Aaron pastor of Imman-
uel Lutheran church OF this city. Miss
Helen Petersen presided at the organ and
impressive music was rendered by q
male choir of ten voices in which the con-
gregation joined.
Following thu usual form of worship
which was in the Danish language, came
q dedicatory address in English. which
was delivered by Rev. Mr.. Aaron.
The House of the Lord dedicated was
the central idea of his remarks and his
text was taken from I. Kings, S:63. $50
the King and all the children of Israel
dedicated the house of the Lord.
He referred to tho dedication of the
temple of Jerusalem as recorded in the
Old Testament, as an event of great and
pure joy and then passed on to say "this
beautiful building is now oonsecrated to
the Lord He has taken possession of 1T
and to. Him it belongs May none defile
it,
The speaker mentioned sthe fact that
nearly every bit of the manual work OF
construction was done with hands within
the immediate circle of the parish and
thought it should be accounted great
privilege to work for the Lord.
Clearer than Emy home, much dearer
than my language" said the speaker,
sis my church, and in these times OF
great danger, of much curiosity, superb
ciallty, infdelity, Inconsistency and tickle
ness in every respect, it is heavenly
blessing to have a sure church home.'
Rev. Mr.. Aron closed his very able
and eloquent address with a strong
exhortation to the mem bers Of the church
to receive these heavenly gifts to their
perfect salvation; to pray without ceasing
for the Lords cause, for by SO doing,
pastor, church and SO city would then
reap abundant grace in this house.
Last evening at 7.30 O'Clock the pastor,
Rev. Mr. Nelson was duly installed by
Rev. o. Gregerten of Hartford, Conn.,,
the service being conducted in the Danish
language, and tonight at 7.3o O'Clock
meeting will take place at the same
church which will be conducted by Rev.
MIR. Nielsen and Rev. Mr.. Petersen.