The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-11-27
ANNIVERSARY SERMON.
Adams Square Congregational Church
Reviews Two Years Existence.


The pastor of the Adams Square Con-
gregational church, Rev. John F.
Dodge, gave an anniversary sermon
yesterday morning. He took as his
text portion of the tenth verse in the
nineteenth chapter of Acts. This con-
tinued for the space of two years."
He SAID: I'VE stand today as
church and people for a two years brief
service, but l am sure that the testi-
monies must be from those conversant
with the facts from the first day until
now, that we have taken our place and
made Our progress only because of the
presence and blessing of God. The mot
to of this church as suggested at the
very first service, is one whose worth
We are proving, Without Me, We can
do nothing
Not all who worship here now were
with us on that first day, or are fam
iliar with the step that was then taken,
a single step into the full activities of
church life. On that notable day, more
than one learned a new lesson of faith
and trust, as God was far better to us
than our fears AS we look back upon
the preliminary work, it seems small
and poor. At best it was but a simple
canvass Of the field, just enough for the
outlining OF it, the estimating of fam
lilies to be enrolled.
But we made an under estimate 1t
was therefore a joyful surprise that
awaited us on that first day, when, in
stead Of a few coming together, posi-
bly, so or Is, more than $50 filled the old
store that had been converted into an
attractive place for Christian worship.
Surely If is no small thing for a given
people 10 gather, concentrate their pow
ers, lay plans and so join heart and
hand as to find themselves a goodly-
sized congregation within "a months
time. worshipping in a well equipped
and beautiful structure, with hardly an
encumbrance upon 1t.
"A year ago today we had not left the
close quarters where first we wor-
shipped. To-Day we rejoice in our beau
tiful church home. Then we were in
poor snepe to think of others and their
needs. Now we are more free to look
about us with the sweet blessed privi-
lege of finding larger and broader fields
for thought. for study, for work The
transition period from church formation
and material building to the entering
upon the pronounced work of the
church Of God, is always critical As
we have prayed and worked for the es-
adjustment Of this church, now we
need to more earnestly pray and work
for the glorlfylng of 1T, through its en-
try upon that work that belongs to the
church of our Lord Jesus Christ.
'"This work includes soul saving and
character building. For so short a
time as two years. and much less time
since church organization, we have lost
quite little, and many changes have
been evident. Some families have gone
out from us; on the church list we have
lost two by death and two by letter
while an absent list is apparent on our
books.
ITO offset this new families have
been coming among us and there have
been Al additions to the church since
organization, making an enrolment of
1875. We ahve had additions at every
communion but one. and including
some as charter members, IL have unit
ed on confession of faith. Our Sunday
school enrolment is 225 in the Y. p.