The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-10-08

Deacon A. H. Lavender, the venerable
pioneer of Baptist organization in Mime
sofa presided over the semi-centenniai
anniversary exercises in the church audi
forum of the First Baptist church last
night The celebration of the completion
of fifty years Of useful work will be con-
Guided by the First church today, when
three sessions will be held, morning, after
noon and evening. Last nights exercises
We're Of a historical nature and were in
terspersed with a musical programme.
Rev. II. F. Stillwell spoke with much
fervor of the past record of the church
and of the men who We're associated with
its growth. He referred with particular
emphasis to Deacon Lavender who is
the only living charter member of the
original church organization. AS man
who helped to make possible the present
effective work of the church and all its
enjoyments, the pastor presented Deacon
Lavender. The old gentleman, standing
before the congregation with his snowy
locks and beard and the weight of four
score years still strong in the Christian
faith, spoke OF a life well spent. He did
He made a comparison between the
small beginnings and the result Of half
century Of progress. The music during
the carly day consisted of one or two
voices The houses used as sanctuaries
by the church We're little better than
shelters, but withal the blessing of God
abided with those who participated in
the worship Of the pioneer days Stlst as
rs.ls
brought TO mind the brevity of life and
those who had gone before, but the rec
ompeHse Of heaven ever awaited the
faithful
Rev. F. II. Cooper. of the Olivet Bap-
fist church, Minneapolis was to have
brought greetings from his congregation.
but for some unexplained reason he did
not put in an appearance. The Olivet
church was the first church to be organ-
ized from the membership of the First
Baptist church, 1t was originally estab-
tshed at the village OF st. Anthony. and
in point of seniority comes next to the
first church.
Rev. ID. S. Orner, pastor of the Pilgrim
Baptist church (colored) responded for
his congregation. He said: ut gives me
pleasure to bring you the Christian greet.
ings OF the congregation, Young People
society, Sunday school and missionary
societies of the Pilgrim Baptist church
bring greetings, not as one church to a
sister body, but as a child to mother
Long before this state was organized YOU
breathed the cold and bracing air OF the
Northwest. For a half century you have
stood the cold winters OF the Northwest
and have thrown broadcast the precepts
of Christ, religion that would otherwise
have been lost to our people
We believe in immersion, in the
Lords supper and in civil and religious
liberty. You believe In the fatherhood of
God and the brotherhood of man. For
teaching these fundamental truths of OH
denomination I thank and congratulate
you. Before the Statue of Liberty was
built you taught the rough pioneers OF
the Christ. You not only nodded the
thoughts and character Of men. but Won
are now shaping the destinies Of orr
young people. Abroad, as well as In our
own country, in colleges and schools
you are carrying on this great work
You are giving the young man and vounp
woman a valued heritage England
China and India have been benefited for