Bridgeton pioneer., 1899-05-25
ANNIVERSARY SERVICE.
The First Anniversary Sermon Preached
Thursday.

Thursday.
The detestable weather had the effec
of greatly interfering with the pleasure
of the people who we're anxious to enjoy
the first of the anniversary exercises,
which began at half past ten Thursday
morning. There we're not many present,
but the large auditorium was very cheer
full despite the gloomy weather. The
church has been recarpeted and the seats
very handsomely cushioned. There was
no attempt made at elaborate decorations.
The puplit wss banked with ferns and
there we're some very pretty flowers. In
front of the big organ were suspended the
figures l849-1S99. There was some bunt-
ing displayed.
Rev. George G. Maddox, a former pas
tor,offered prayer. and the sermon, very
appropriate one, was preached by Rev. S.
Fl. Hudson, the oldest living pastor of
church. He was the third pastor ap-
pointed at Trinity.
Thursday Afternoon.
The inclemency Of the weather debarred
many from attending, but those who did
turn out were in the spirit of the service,
voluntary was followed by the choir and
congregation joining in singing hymn,
after which was the opening prayer by
Rev. E. P. Shields. Then came that far
reaching and beautiful hymn,
"They who seek the throne of grace,
Find that throne in every place;
If we live life of prayer.
God is present everywhere"
Rev. G. c. Maddox, the leader, spoke
of this as most encouraging truth; God
is not confined 70 place, nor are his bless
ings limited in numbers. He said he did
not believe in letting the preachers do all
the talking, but that they should give the
laymen and women a chance to do some
of it. The program called for platform
meeting, but he thought it best for all to
be on one level, as memory with its
magic wand would suggest many things
to say. The ladies could tell things both
pleasant and unpleasant in regard to their
accomplishments and struggles.
At the opening there was a scarcity of
preachers, though he emphasized the fact
that he had gotten out of prison to come.
Rev. Maddox being chaplain at the
State Prison at Trenton, spoke of it as
prison for life, if he behaves himself,
quite different from other prisoners,
whose good behavior lets them out, while
good behavior keeps him in.
Mention was made of the good sermon
in the morning by Rev. S. M. Hudson,
Ito which there was an emphatic
"'amen") the Oldest pastor present, for he
preached away back in 1852.
The inspired countenance of Rev. Elder
could no longer be without mention,
though the old pastor spoke of him as a
stranger; on second thought it was
changed to mot much of stranger,
either, for he speaks to every body"
Rev. S. M. Hudson next arose, and
said he had never been in prison. Ito
which the leader responded that many
preachers wished they we're there, realiz-
ing the field good one in which to
labor.) He was past three score and ten.
yet not sad or. sorrowful, but going to a
better country, where everlasting spring
abideth. The oldest pastor present said he
would not preach or philosophise, but in
brief way give "reminiscences. Though
he quoted some one saying, when man
1ndulges in "reminiscences, he becomes a
"Reminiscences.
Rev. G. G. Maddox then gave brief
account of his time as pastor. of Trinity.
Following came hymn and Rev. Chas.
d. Elder was introduced as the man at
home everywhere, with a wonderful
faculty for being at home.
The response from Mr.. Elder was: ssI
am among the Elders and do indeed feel
at home. am here from the mother
church to speak words OF greeting and
congratulation. A man once prayed IF
any spark has been kindled, pray help
meto water that spark I am not here
to put out any spark, but to fan the flame
for the influence of the church is in its
warmth and strength to bring out char
acter." He told a story of man
named. Snow, who gave in his testi
mony In such frosty manner, the
leader was, caused to exclaim, "Melt
down that Snow" Another man named
wood spoke in like wintry way, and
father Taylor again said, ssSet fire to that
Wood" Your influence is on fire. we
feel such influence, The mother church
takes an interest in you, jewel on this
side OF the river.
Rev. Q. H. Elders words fall short of
the heavenly inspiration when put on
paper. One must see and hear him to
realize the earnestness, the strength and
power of his personality.
Rev. d. II. Harris made the annouuce-
ments, and the afternoon session was
closed.
Thursday Evening.
Last night the congregation was verv
large, and the services were very inter-
esting. Miss Corabel Huntley, of Phila-
delphia, sang beautiful solo during the
services. Miss Huntley has splendid
voice, wide range, and much power.
and she sang last night with most pleas
ing expression. II was one of the features
OF the anniversary exercises.