Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1899-11-30

building is not neglected in our midst.
Their influences are numerous and
emphatic. He who falls beneath the
standard, does SO as a result of his
own lethargy or indifference. The
community may we'll be proud Of it's
schools and churches. Attention of
the stranger and visitor can be
directed to them without fear Of
derisiOn.
Besides the progressive societies
of the Roman Catholic church,
Methodist Episcopal, Congregational,
German Lutheran. Scandinavian Mo
rayian, st. Johns Episcopal, Cen
tralia German Lutheran and Unity
each of whom own and maintain neat,
substantial prOperties-it becomes the
pleasure of the REPORTER to note a
handsome addition to the group of
spires. 1t is the solid brick editice at
the corner of Front and Goggins street.
Centralla, recently completed and
dedicated last Sunday to sacred use,
The new German MOravian church,
shown III the accompanying cut, is
somewhat the most modern, sub
Stantial and attractive house of WOr-
ship yet erected in the twin cities 1t
stands as a commanding sentry on the
bank of the old WiScOnse, strong in
its own weight and consolidation, a
pleasing combination of the builders
art. Earnest endeavor, liberal dOna-
tiOnS and much labor has been re-
Quired on the part of the German
MOravianS of this community, and
their pastor Rev. A. A. Peterson, to
bring about such creditable results
Brief details of efforts expended are
here given:
In the latter part of the year 1897 d
congregation was organized among
the Scandinavian members Of the
MOravian church on French street.
The work grew SO rapidly that it be-
came necessary to employ two pastors,
one for the Germans and one for the
ScandinayianS, consequently another
church and parsonage was needed.
The church in use was too small for
the German branch of this cOngrega-
tiOn hence it was decided to transfer
the first church to the Scandinavians,
they to give $500 to the Germans as a
nucleus for the new building. The
first steps of erection were taken,
then, about one year ago. Rev. A. a.
Peterson spent three months last fall
in the states of Dakota, Minnesota
and Wisconsin for the purpose of can
yaSSing subscriptions from MOrayian
congregations. In April, May and
June he went through Pennsylvania,
New York and New Jersey; in August
and September he visited Illinois.
Indiana and Ohio. The total outside
aid thus collected by the pastor was
$4,000, the state of Pennsylvania being
the largest contributor. one of its
congregations giving S400 On these
trips Rev. Peterson travelled $4,000
miles, made 500 calls on private
persons and preached $50 sermons.
While funds were being gathered
the new church was under course Of
construction and its cost completed
including furniture and furnace, is
$4,000. The Ladies' Aid society pro-
vided for the new bell at a cost of $3.50
and also the beautiful carpets cover
ing the floors of both main and lecture
rooms, at cost of $3.50. The Sunday
school children presented the platform
furniture and also the chairs in the
class room at cost of over S160. The
\. T. s. G. E. and Kings Daughters
bought the organ. In this manner all
the departments in the congregation
have been engaged in the work of the
church. \ number of the business
houses of the twin cities, bankers and
private persons are listed among the
contributors. Rev. Peterson author
| ICES the writer to state here that he
and his people rejoice exceedingly in
the sympathy and love that has met
them everywhere: that deepest graft
tude and thanks is extended to all
whom it may concern.
Dedication services last Sabbath
were largely attended. and conducted
according to the program announced