The San Francisco call., 1899-09-17
GOLDEN JUBILEE OF THE
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
REUNION OF MEMBERS IN HON
OR OF THE OCCASION.
Freely Made of the Institutions
Growth in the Future.

There was a reunion Friday night of
the members Of the First Baptist Church
to celebrate the golden jubilee of the or
ganization. The evening was one of rem
intscence. The history and growth, the
trials and tribulations Of the congrega-
ton were the favorite themes of all those
who made addresses. While there was a
general review of the past, the future was
not overlooked, and there were many pre-
dtcttons that the prospects were bright
and that the good work Of the church
would go on and increase as the years
wore away and that the centennial cele-
bration would find 1t in even more -four
ishing condition than did its golden ju-
bilee.
The reunion was held in the lecture
room and the Sunday-school apartment OF
the church. In the parlors leading off
the lecture-room tables were set for 150
guests. where, following the addresses,
refreshments were served to the old mar
ried folk, while the young people who
were not married and those who were en-
gagged, as the pastor put 1t, were fed on
ice cream and cake in the main lecture
room.
In calling the assemblage to order, Rev.
E. a. Woods, the pastor, called upon the
Almighty to bless the occasion OF the re-
union the name, memory and influence Of
the church and the sole surviving repre-
sentatives of the founders OF the Institu-
ton fifty years ago. Mr.. and Mrs. John f.
rope.
Mr.. Pope reviewed the early history of
the church, dwelling upon the hardships
and struggles Of the little congregation
to maintain it's house Of worship. He said
of the Baptist church for over sixty years
and now that their lease Of life had al
most run they calmly and trustfully
awaited the final call In early days the
church numbered among It's membership
people from all sections OF the country,
who brought with them different ideas
and customs. There were men from the
South and men from the North, and when
gregation almost feared TO mention to
each other the great national issues which
then threatened the country. Forbear-
ance had marked all its deliberations and
In the end the church decided to throw
its comparatively feeble strength and in
fluence for the maintenance OF the Union.
The congregation upheld the Vigilance
Committee and took a prominent part in
all the public matters that agttated the
then troubled community. He remarked
that the devotion of the women of the
church was one OF the features most po-
tent in maintaining its existence.
Finances of the church were discussed
by B. c. Wright. He presented figures to
show that during its fifty years the con-
alone over $50 900: It's choir had cost cost
$50 900. janitor 1850, taxes and insurance
SIS, 600, gas and lights $50, 600, repairs 10000,
interest ST 500, benevolence $50, 600. Other
minor items brought the grand total ex-
pended by the members for their religious
welfare UP to the neighborhood Of half
million dollars. f. f. JOY talked on the
women's work in the church, and mission
SON A few remarks were made by Cap
tain NJ c. Prindle Of the United States
navy and Major W. A Gilbert. paymaster
In the army.
The exercises in connection with the
golden Jubilee will close with SUNDAYS
services at the church.