Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1902-03-31

by good leader is sure TO be a success
and power in that community The
Rev. Joel Brown spoke OF the auspicious
occasion; first that IL was Easter Day,
one Of the two great church festivals.
He said Il was an aUspicious occasion Tor
Mary Chufch--the dediCa-
ton Of It's building TO God. and as IL was
Easter and spTiDgtime. and winter had
passed, so he hoped the church bad
passed the winter oi IFS struggle. and that
its summer would be bright in contrast
The Rev. George S Bell, pastor Of the
First Presbyterian Church, made bfief
address. in which he congratulated the
copgreg cation for its noble efforts in be-
half Of the church. He said things in
this world are appreciated according to
what they cost. "This beautiful church
cost labor, sacrifice and prayer" said
the speaker, "and Sou can, therefore,
appreciate H." The formal ceremony Of
dedication was then conducted by Bishop
Andrews. The following trustees OF the
church then presented themselves befJre
the altar rail Messss. T. +. Brown.
Daniel p. Thompson, James v. Phillips,
William +. FeldmeyeT. George w. ines
and Benjamin T. Russell Bishop said:
"It is vain to dedicate building to the
worship OF God, unless the people will
dedicate themselves to God =" The serv-
ices closed with the singing Of the dox.
ology and with the benediction.
THIRD SERVICE
The meeting in the evening opened at
7. 80 o'clock. Music was furnished by
the church choir. The organ was pre-
sided over by Miss Windsor. The Rev,
Samuel K. Wilson, of Baltimore, had
charge Of the service, and preached an
impressive sermon.
The attendance at the three meetings
was very large. at least two thousand
people being present. The collection to
wipe out the church debt at the three
meetings reduced il to the nominal sum
Of only 81 400, which is to be wondered
at, considering that in the beginning a
debt Of sat. 900 hung over the church,
and now has been reduced to compare
lively small sum.
At the close of the services in the
evening member Of the church moved
a rising vote Of those present be taken to
petition Bishop Andrews, who is to pre-
side over the Conference, to return the
Rev. 7. Z. Peters TO bis church. which
vote was unanimous. and il is expected
that Mr.. Peters, through whose success
full labor this great church work has been
accomplished, will be returned.
THE CHURCH HISTORY.
About thirty years ago several men,
beTs Of the Salem M z. Church, nov
known as the First VI. K. Church, op-
posed the pew proposition, and not being
able 10 prevent it, Withdrew their mem.
befship. At the suggestion of the late
| Josiah Russell, they held a prayer meet
ing in the parlor Of John w. Robinson,
where Joseph S. vi. Basil, Nelson Basil,
Josiah Russell, Jesse Russell, John Way.
son. Thomas Parkinson, Daniel Mediord
| Meredith Dawes, William Dadds, Caleh
Stewart and many others joined them.
So here really began. in a prayer.
meeting, the congregation soon afteI
called the second charge" Previous
TO 1863 the Salem M. Z. Church was
free seated, like most Of the Methods
hou es Of worship. During that yeal
efforts were made to make il a pex
church. Rev. Z. ID. OWen was then the
pastor. To this innovation there was
serious objections. The members Of the
church we're not permitted to vote upon
the proposition. which many termed rad
ical, the trustees assuming the response
bility and authority to make the unweI
come change. Consequently, the above
mentioned persons. with a few others
applied for ana received certificates from
Rev. z. d. Oven. the pastor.