Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-11-03
A HlF CENTURY Old.
The Fiftieth Anniversary Of the Third
Presbyterian Church

-
OBSERVED WITH INTERESTING
AND IMPRESSIVE EXERCISES
LAST EVENING APPROPRIATE
REMARKS BY A NUMBER OF
PROMINENT MINISTERS AND
SOME CHOICE MUSICAL Sc
LECTIoNS RENDERED = A
LARGE CONGREGATION IN AT
TENDANCE-THE EDIFICE AT
TRACTIvELY DECORATED FOR
THE OCCASION.
The members of the Third Presbyter-
ian congregation observed with very
appropriate ceremonies the fiftieth an
niversary of the church last evening.
The affair attracted quite large con-
gregation and was notable in every re-
spect The programme for the occasion
was participated in by number OF
prominent ministers, and among those
present were many representatives
from the various local congregations.
The interior of the edifice was taste
fully adorned with ported plants and
flowers of various species, presenting an
attractive appearance, and above the
altar was arranged an effective electric
display, setting forth in pink, white
and blue lights the motto of the church,
God and We.' between the dates
"1S49" and 1882" indicating the half
century anniversary of the church.
The exercises, consisting of music,
under the direction of the choir, and
greetings and addresses from ministers
of different denominations, were under
the conduct of the pastor, Rev. R. R.
Bigger, Phi. d. There was invocation
by Rev. Samuel Schwarm, d. D., pastor
of the First Evangelical Lutheran
Church, Scripture reading by Rev. ]. H.
Littell, pastor of the United Presbyter-
ian Church, and prayer by Rev. Martin
w. Buck, pastor of the First Baptist
Church, after which Rev. w. H. Les
ter, D. D., of Washington, Pa, in be-
half of the Presbytery of Washington,
extended thoughtful greetings and
dwelled feelingly upon the past
history of the church, referring
especially to its rapid growth.
This he attributed to the earnestness
with which those connected with the
church had striven in the cause Of
Righteousness.
Rev. Jacob Birmingham, representing
the Ministerial Union of Wheeling and
vicinity, very appropriately greeted the
congregation, saying, among other
things:
I'VE are glad to be with you and
rejoice with you upon such an occa-
sion. We urge upon the membership
to give more fully to the cause of
Christ Men and women who worship
together will not fail to work together.
We pray that your love for the Lord
may abound more and more with the
truth and sense of His teachings. Toll
on and in thy toll rejoice"
Rev. ]. L. Sooy, D. D., next extended
greetings in behalf of the NJ E. Min
isterial Association, calling attention to
the succession of interesting events in
connection with the church during the
past. He highly complimented the con-
gregation for its excellent work in ac-
curing such handsome and commo-
dious structure. What of the future?"
he continued. IF the Presbyterian
Church can answer this question with
as much fidelity in the future as it has
in the past, it will certainly answer
it WELL" He referred to the true mean
ing of Christianity and was of the
opinion that real Christianity is Christ
and concluded with the words, May the
spirit of the Lord rest upon thee
Rev. D. A. Cunningham being called
upon to make an address, responded
with greetings from the First Presby-
terrain Church. He spoke of the init
mate connection between the First and
Third Presbyterian churches and also
c. the great change that had taken
place since the latter church was or
ganized, referring especially to the dis
coveries in science and the improve
ments made in various times. He
thought that beneath the motto Of the
church, God and We," should be
placed the words, Hitherto the Lord
hath helped u.s." and in conclusion re-
marked: let us praise God for the
excellent condition in which this church
has been placed. 1t has a membership
OF three hundred, and a Sunday school
with membership of about five hun
dred and its different apartments have
been elegantly fitted up. The future
looks bright and you can go out of this
century and into the next century with
joy and thanksgiving and say l can re-
member the work of the right hand.
Keep in touch with the holy spirit. Be
much in prayer, for they who ask will
receive and they who seek will find"
Rev. S. j. Boyle, of Martins Ferry,
was next introduced, and in responding
IN, NJ n,