Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1901-06-14
WORK OF A CENTURY.
CONTINUED from page FIVE. |

congregation was called for Monday
forenoon, Jan. 4. A large number re.
sponded. The facts were emphasized that
we ought to respond, as the general
church is doing, with special thank.
offering, and especially so by reason of
the fact that this Is the centennial of the
Organization of Methodism in Middle.
bury. This sentiment was contagious
and universal. All who were present
said Eyes, it can be done and we will
try by the help of Cod" A committee
to open and circulate a subscription was
appointed, consisting of the pastor. w,
n. Cady, ii. A. Peck and G.. II. Balm.
From that day until this the committee
has labored in season and out of season
to level this mountain. Let il be re-
corded they have received hearty re.
Spouse and kindly treatment in brotherly
spirit from all. Nearly every member
on the list has responded. We want to
erase the ''nearly" before the weeks IS
over, and be able to record for the com.
Ing generations to read, Every member
of the church and congregation gave,
and the members of the Sunday school
were not whit behind in their offer
ing"
This church like most others has had
a varied experience. Sometimes passing
through waves of trial and again exult-
ing "in great triumph" One former
pastor, in recent letter received, saws
81 have heard of Mddlebury Methodsim
from my youthful days-its achieve
ments and its revivals, its earnest con-
tention for the faith once delivered to
the Saints, its noble and valient stand
always taken on every moral and social
question. They are and have been a
royal banda New Testament Brother.
hood" This church has been fruit
full in larger sphere than to simply
MAINTAIN its own individual and spiritual
life. There have gone out from IL 70
preach the gospel of the Son of God the
following sons, viz: Albert Champlin,
A. A. Farr, Chester F. Burdick, John w.
Bennett, Martin E. S. DIN, Gilbert c.
Cady, and Junius +. Mead, while also
its sons and daughters are its worthy
representatives in many places and
states. 1t has given largely also of its
life and aggressive spirit in members
furnished to other communions, not
only in Middlebury but in the larger
field of the universal church of our
Lord. Many of its former stalwart men
have joined the church triumphant, and
no doubt from their vantage ground
are viewing the battle as it proceeds,
nobly pressed and heroically fought by
loved ones who survive. Among these of
recent years may be named Harry e.,
Heman and Myron Langworthy, j. NJ.
Slade, Oliver Wellington, John L. Bar
ker and Philo S. Severance. MANY of
the fathers yet remain to bless the
church with their counsel and to be
benediction to the younger element in it.
even though some of them are too feeble
by reason of age and infirmity to be
present often at the services. These
veterans are not forgotten. God bless
the aged people who have so nobly stood
at their post of duty in the past. A
later generation rises up to call them
blessed and their work abides.
When some future historian shall
write up the record fully including the
present era, he must record, if true to
facts, the heroic and self-sacrificing re-
cord of personal efficiency of many now
active in the contest. Gladly would
speak of them personally, If time and
space permitted. Their names are on
the honor roll, and the list is not small.
They shall receive the "well done"
word of approval from the church at
large, and finally from the great Head
of the church.
The implements of labor and the weap-
ons of warfare were In the hands of
royal and noble men, as were the fathers
who have passed on and up to their
glorious reward; but their mantle has
fallen upon worthy and efficient sons.
Say not thou, What is the cause
that the former days were better than
these: for thou dost not inquire wisely
conserving this" Feel. vii: 10.) 1t is
noble and chivalric for the present gen.
GRAFTON to know and glorify the past by
according all praise and respect to it, but
never so, when by comparison we be-
little the present. They were Gods sons
and daughters who lived and labored in
the past generation. They are His sons
and daughters who labor and pluck sue
cess out of seeming defeat In the stress
of increased activity and competition of
this later era of the church's history.
Methodlsm, like the scriptural mustard
seed, was planted by consecrated men
and women upon this soil century ago.
Small and feeble was its beginning.
Tried and tested through the years. it
has become potential, spiritual and
moral force in this community. What
grander tribute to the memory of the he
roes of the past can their descendants
pay than to commemorate past achieve
ments, seeking to catch the fire and en-
thusiasm of spirits aname with holy
zeal for the expansion and development
of the kingdom of God. This church is
feeling already the breathing pulse of
new life. a delightful harmony pre-.
walls among the membership. They be-
lieve in God and in their church and are
resolved to go forth with renewed effort