Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1901-09-19
CHURCH CENTENNIAL.
Conereeationalists of Rochester
Observe tooth Anniversary.

celebrated its one hundredth anniversary
en- Sunday, Tuesday and "Wednesday oil
last week.
The initial service was on Sunday morn
ing when the Rev. Willis I, Sparhawk,
greet grandson of Ebenezer Sparhawk,
one Of the first deacons OF the church,
preached the sermon. taking for his text
Idealn He dwelt upon the thought that
thoughtful meditation over ones ideals
will bring about their realization.
The Sunday school convened in the
afternoon. The warmth of welcome was
well expressed by Dea. n. G. Harvey.
Supt. Louise Martin presented historical
paper ON the Sunday school, after which
she read some most delightful and yalu-
able letters, reminiscent in character and
touched with tender memories.
The C. Z. 5. met in the evening and the
PRAYER and praise service was led by Miss
kathreen Hubbard. This was followed by
paper on the ssPast' by Miss Jessie NJ.
Morgan and one ON the "Present and
Future" by the president, Ernest w.
Chase.
The centennial services were resumed
Tuesday afternoon. Devotional service
was conducted by Mrs. Louise Martin and
Mrs. Emma Wing. An historical paper
on 1.-The Foreign Missionary Society By
Miss Sarah j. Williams and one on "The
Ladies' Aid Society by Mrs. Belle ID.
Hubbard, reminiscent of women's work in
the church occupied the time. At q
reception was held at the parsonage by
the pastor and wife. The occasion was
made pleasant by the presence of many of
the elderly people OF the church. A spirit
of sadness pervaded the sessions by
reason of the death OF Mrs. Hannah
Guernsey, especially realized here because
she was such bright spirit and so helpful
on such occasions. Tender illusions were
made to her and all felt that God had
come very near.
The program for the evening was
unusually rich and strong and large
audience assembled. A pleasant feature
of the evening was the singing of old
tunes. Some of the singers represented
the choir nearly half century ago. This
choir was ably led by
George n. Harvey, who sang with old
time power and enthusiasm. pitching his
tunes with his tuning fork and beating
time with his hand.
bright and attractive paper, entitled
~ My grandmother day as ] remember Il.
with a sketch OF the church choir, was
given by Mrs Electa Weber Morse. II
was nobly and tenderly delivered and the
listened intently and admiringly,
by her graeefnlness and rare
personality.
William A .Chafee sang The Recessional;
q solo by Mrs. H. IT. Cushman and an
anthem by the choir concluded the
services.
Centennial day dawned with lowering
clouds, followed BY rain. A few gathered
for the prayer and praise service. Words
81 welcome we're spoken by the pastor and
felicitous greetings from local pastors. A
cordial message from /. ). Yerkes was read
BY Mrs. Kezer. +. +. Adams, after his
rare pleasantries, spoke OF the fellowship
81 the churches. Harry L. Farr Of West
thanked the church for the help
i had given them In spiritual advance
nent and expressed a wish that II might
De blessed In the future as il had been IN
he past.
Letters from formers pastors were then |
'ead. A social hour and luncheon
ollowed at noon.
The afternoon session begun with a
devotional meeting led by Rev. Carlton /
Iazen OF West Rutland, followed by /
"reminiscences from former /
lastors. Much disappointment was felt |
because OF the absence OF Rev. +. T.. I
1errick. Much interest was called forth |
" the address of the venerable Il. ;. /
hubbard. Mr. Hazen gave an impressive |
eview Il his eight years ministry Of this /
huroh.
Rev. Homer Hildreth's paper was long |
areful summary OF the origin and progress /
Il the church, and ELECTED the following /
acts: The first decade was the ohurehs
eatechetical age, character
site OF Congregationalism In New |
England; the second decade was the age /
4 revival. for nearly every year "the Lord /
dded to the church such as should be 4
aved:m the third was one OF work and \
,rganization, and the fourth applied 4
or the living OF ones belief
or the good of all mankind.
The Lords supper was administered by 1
Rev. Carlton Hazen and the pastor, and /
he exercises closed with singing the /
hymn.
The last service OF the anniversary was
leld IN the evening, which was replete /
With inspiring features. Greetings from /
hurch were beautifully given by the /
aithful registrar, Rev. A. J. Lord OF 4
Hartford. His CHEEKY manner and ready 1
peech made a happy impression.
The centennial sermon by Rev. George /
n. Phillips. ID. D.. Rutland, was a
nasterly address, charming in style,
delivery, thought and spirit, based on the
ext ssThou art Peter and upon this rock
will build my church" He showed that
he creed controversy and theological i
Ieuate had been finished and laid on the
helf; that Peter was not the rock, but his
ssThou art the Christ, the son
Il the living God;n that today the need Of
he community and the need OF the church
a practical theology He made plea
or more unity in the church, not so much
n creed as in thought and spirit.
hymn composed by Mrs. Electa
Vebber Morse fittingiy closed memorable
the effect Of which we hope
ill be felt not only By the church bat ~
he ast4 fra .aan4u4nnfFg