Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-05-22

A notable occasion at lions Lu-
theran church last evening was the
reunion of those who have been con-
firmed in the congregation during the
past fifty years. 1t was part of the
semi-centennial celebration at the
church and was attended by a large
| congregation. The services were in
| terspersed with excellent music and
TIVE sermons were delivered, one
by Rev. G. G. Berkmeier, of Mt. YER
non, N. Y; and the other by Rev. D.
II. Geissinger, D. D., of Pittsburg, Pa.
| Rev. Mr. Berkmeier preached in
German, his text being "Jesus Christ,
the same to-day, yesterday and to-
morrow and his remarks were appre-
Gladly received by those present. Rev.
Mr.. Geissinger, who spoke in English,
delivered a sermon upon the subject
Salvation of the Apostles to the Chris
tians." The minister began by giving
an appropriate salutation to those
who have come into the church during
the last half century. He next refer
red to the joy and happiness of the
Apostles in making the salutation and
gave as the grounds for this rejoicing
! that they were brought into fellow
ship with the gospel Of Christ. He al
so said that we are flesh of his flesh,
bone of his bone and in the communion
we are united. After calling attention
| to the community in life he pointed
out the necessity of communion of
work, remarking that we may rejoice
| together for what has been, but we
must look forward and have fellowship
in our work. In his reference to the
many changes, which the church had
undergone since it was organized he
compared the discouraging circum-
stances of those who began the work
of this church and the circumstances
of the present congregation, who are
to continue the work when everything
is most encouraging for success. The
minister developed the point that
there was assurance for the future,
based on the words, he who has begun
good work will continue the same
until the coming of Christ.
He impressed his hearers with the
thought that we do not choose Christ
but that Christ chooses us, that we do
not begin the work, but that Christ
begins it, that He calls us and enlight-
ems us by His spirit He concluded
his sermon by urging all to be stead
fast in their faith.
During the evening the liturgical
services were conducted by Rev. J. S.
Reinartz, of East Liverpool, Ohio, and
announcements were made by the pas
tor, Rev. Philip J. Hob. Two beautiful
choruses, "Jubilat6 Deo," by Garrett
Bachman. and Rejoice in the
Lord" by Schubert, were effec-
lively rendered by the choir
and vocal duet was pleasingly given
| by Miss Bessie Juergens and Mr.. Aug
| ust Nolte.
In the assemblage of persons, who
have united with the church, it was
noted with interest that there were
five Of the original members. They
are John Arbenz, Sr., Frederick NJ
Wurster, F. L. Schenk, Sr., Christian
Kettler, and Charles F. Meyer, each OF
whom is over seventy years old.
This evening at 1880 o'clock the
| Young Ladies' societies will hold SER
vices in honor of the occasion. A Ger
man sermon will be preached by Rev.
T. p Mayser and an English sermon
by Rev. F. B. Cook, of Jewet, Ohio.
Tomorrow evening there will be no
services and the celebration will be
brought to a close on Thursday eve
ming with services appropriate to As
cension Day.
6honnnc n