Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-10-17
CHURCH CENTENNIAL.
INTERESTING ExERcIsEs OF rHE BETHEL
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

BETHEL. Oct. IL.
The centennial exercises of the First
Congregational church opened Sunday
morning with 90 appropriate sermon by
the pastor, Rev. Arthur varley. The
organ and chsncel were tastefuliy deco
rated with evergreens and autumn leaves,
and the picture Of Rev. Daniel Gould.
the first pastor Of the church, hung upon
the organ. 1799-lS99, 10 large gilt fig-
ures, marked the century paused. The
choir rendered special music most &C
ceptably.
The pastors sermon WAS from these
words: ITO contend earnestly for the
faith, once for all, delivered unto the
saints"
Christ was the central thought and the
fact was emphasized that Christ stands
a. mediator between man and God. IL
wss very impressive service and many
former residents and pastors were
welcomed to their former church home.
In the evening large audience listen
ed to . most helpful and inspiring
sermon by Rev. Israel Jordan, . former
pastor, who served . past0rste OF five
years with this church. Text: Sand
they took knowledge Of them that they
had been with Jesus" Tho subject
brought out from these words: "Real-
| ity Of religion--People take knowledge
of "a whom We follow.
The music by the choir was OF I'M
usual excellence.
Monday evening q memorial service
for those who have been members OF
this church and have Joined the 'Church
Tdumphant- was held and Il Was q
sweet and tender service. A quartetts
lc,mposed Of Mrs. Vsrley, Mrs. Tuel
and Misses Purington and Russell
furnished very nnc music.
After the memorial exercises remi
niscences were given by Rev. Mr.. Buck
who served this church from "a to 30.
Il was q great pleasure TO this people "a
welcome home this aged pilgrim. the
oldest living pastor who has served TILL
church. Rev. ID. W. Hardy, who serv
ed the church six years, WAS also . vel
come guest.
After this service . reception undeI
the auspices Of the Christian Endeavo
WAS given TO the pastors and Il proved
very Interesting and social hour.
Tuesday afternoon, the exercises wers
opened by q praise and devotional ser
vice.
The historical address by the pssto
was an interesting sketch OF the princi
pal events connected with the life OF tn
church since Its organization. Tn
choir sang the Centennial Hymn com
posed By Mrs. Bean and this WAS follow
ed by q most stirring address by Rev
Smith Baker Of Portland.
The principal features OF the evening
exercises were the fine music rendered b!
the choir, the centennial poem writer
and read by Mrs. II. II. Bean and thu
grafton by Prof. Henry l.. Chapman o
Bowdoin College. The fact that Prof
Chapman IL . native OF Bethel ant
his parents former members OF thii
church, made Il most appropriate tina
he should return TO his home-people ant
deliver the Grafton which was broad IL
thought and genuine intellectual feas
~ we'll ~ . spiritual Inspiration.
Thus closed the first century Of tn
work Of the First Congregational Church
In Bethel, and may the help and inspirs
ton of this first centennial be handles
down to succeeding generations until
childrcu's children shall come to tn
second anniversary with the same loyal
ty to the church we represent "A on
fathers have ever shown-and ss rich
lreward await each succeeding genera
tion az has been granted To the mast,