The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-06-25

The concluding exercises in connec-
tion with the celebration of the twenty
fifth anniversary of the Green Ridge
Presbyterian church were conducted
yesterday before large congregations.
Both of the former pastors delivered
addresses and an enthusiasm that
speaks well for the future prosperity
of the church was manifested by all.
In the morning the sermon was de-
livered by Rev. DR.. Isaac J. Lansing,
the present pastor. The scripture les
son was explained by Rev. w. b. Wall
er. the first pastor, and Rev. n. f.
Stahl, the second pastor, offered pray
er. A special musical programme Of
unusual excellence was rendered by
the choir.
At II o'clock there were special eX-
ercises in the Sunday school room, the
especial feature of which were ad-
dresses by the former superintendents,
DR.. j. L. Fordham, Edward B. Sturges
and Colonel +. l.. Hitchcock. The for
mer pastors also contributed brief ad-
dresses and special music was given by
Miss Cordelia West Freeman and Miss
Julia Clapp Allen.
EVENING SERVICE.
The evening services were opened at
7.45 o'clock with an organ voluntary,
followed by a responsive scriptural
reading by the pastor and the congre-
cation. Mays Dream of Paradise"
was then rendered by quartette con-
iCti Of MrC n
and Messrs. Wrinkle and Roberts, as
sister by the choir.
Minor C. Carr, one of the original
members of the church and one of it's
present elders, next read a most inter-
esting paper giving his "reminiscences,
serious and humorous, of the early
days of the church. He was followed
by Rev. Mr.. Waller, who spoke briefly
upon the many things which the MEM
bers of the congregation should be
thankful for.
He took for his text the twelfth
verse of the 116th Psalm, what shall
/ render unto the Lord for all His
benefits toward me?"
1--WE need such Scriptural remind
ers," said he, "for gratitude IS not
easy. We have poor memories for
DeneulS. we WRITE our SEdtlluut upon
the sands and our sorrows upon the
enduring rCcks. You, as a congrega-
tion, have many things to be thankful
for. Think of the multitude Of souls
that have here been won to Jesus
Think of the characters that have
been built up here. Think OF the per-
sonal benefits you have received in
connection with this church. nth all
~ IL
exclaim with the apostle, Thanks be
10 God for His unspeaIaDle gifts.
The unanimity the harmony, the
good will, the hope and the eutnusi-
asm which have characterized this &C.
casion have been indeed most Inspiring
TO me and should be TO every one OF
you"
REV. STALLS REMARKS.
After an anthem by the choir, Rev
N. f. Stahl spoke briefly. In opening
his remarks, he quoted a verse fro m
Revelations, Il have set before thee
an open door," He asked leave tC
paraphrase this to II have set behind
thee an open door" you have this
past week" said he, "been privileged
to look backward through an opcr
door. You have been able to trace
the history of this church from its
very beginning and have seen how II
has grown under Gods watchful care
OF what purpose has been this retro
spective view?
To-day you are upon mountain oi
pivotage, behind you an open door, be.
fore you another. Go forth as did tbs
apostles and do His work. You have
been wonderfully prosperous and ir
return you should render service untC
the Lord. There is an unrgent need OF
such ice just now.
"Never was there time When the
gates of hell yawn so wide as now
never was there a time when therl
was such insidious temptations ofrerGt
the young as now; never was there q
time wher so many fake philoscphiei
and fake forms of region were laugh
as now. TO press back this gsinins
tide of corruption ii is necessary thG
you as a congregation do your shar'
by working fervently, continually anc
Loyalty to build up the kingdom o.
Christ upon EARTH"
The exercises were finished by a few
closing words from DIR. Lansing anC
the singing of the hymn, "Now tn
Day Is Over"