The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-03-18

GOLDEN
JUBILEE.
Fifty Years Record Of Central
Congregational ChuTch--In-
teresling Addresses.

In the memorial chapel of the Central
Congregational church, last evening. was
held the second of a series OF exercises
in observance OF the golden jubilee OF
that society. There are eight original
members living, seven OF them living i'm
this city and six still regular attendants
at all church services
Rev. DIR. Moore, the pastor, presided
and he introduced Moses L. Torrey. one
of the founders. who read paper on the
origin of the church and it's progress
~nder the first pastor. Rev. DIR. Swain,
and then President Harris of Amherst
College, who was the second of the four
pastors, gave some "reminiscences.
WAS ONE or THE FOUNDERS.
Mr. Torrey in substance said that the
position which this church occupies is
the result OF principles that have shaped
its career. Those principles are unwav-
ering faith, harmony I'm action, con-
spicuous liberality and the missionary
spirit. Previous to 1852 there were four
Congrega ational churches on the west side
of the river and none on the east side.
n considerable number resided here and
were subject 10 Inconvenience.
In 1916 the sum of $4,000 was sub
scribed for church after one attempt
had failed The second attempt also
was not successful In 1850 a new char
ter was obtained and IN 1881 the name
of Central Congregational society was
adopted.
The cost of erecting the church was
$5S,99l. committee was appointed to
arrange for the organization of the So
ciety. The first meeting was held In
March, 1882 and a call extended 10 Rev.
Leonard Swain To be pastor. He ac-
cepted and was installed as pastor Sept.
%
The growth of the church was rapid
and constant. In Is years IL received
about 46O members. In 1856 two OF the
younger members explored the northern
part OF the city and n mission school
was decided upon near the Corliss Steam
Engine works. 1t was twice enlarged.
The church society was organized in
1865 as the Charles street church, and IL
later became the North Congregational
church. The church owes debt of
gratitude TO Mr.. Coriss. from whom Il
received 1855 annually.
The first meeting called for women i'm
the Congregational churches here for
foreign missions was at the Central
church i'm 1865.
The speaker gave n nattering eulogy
of DR. Swain and said: During the year
1867 DR.. Swains health became affected
and he was given n leave OF absence.
He died in 1859 at the age OF IS Resolu-
tions were adopted by the church. show
ing its regard for the man"
FORMER PASTOR SPEAKS.
President Harris OF Amherst College
was the second speaker and referred to
the fact that he became pastor OF the
church when 1t was 20 years old He
declared that above most churches the
Central is characterized by its broad
sense Of responsibility for the extension
of the kingdom of God IL has been
characterized longer than any other that
has been brought TO his attention by
the dignity and order and richness of its
worship Through the channels of wor-
ship God communicates with men.
DIR. Nose, i'm concluding the evenings
addresses. expressed his pleasure In par
ticipating and complimcntcd the church
on the young men Il had selected for it's
pastors. the latest Of whom thus early
I'm life was about 20 take up important
duties at Harvard.
This evening at 7:45 o'clock Rev. 6. w.
Huntington of Lowell. Mass. will speak
of the period OF his pastorate and Dir
Moore will read "a paper which he has
been asked To prepare concerning the
changes that have taken place during
his administration. supper will bc
served at $3.50 o'clock. This evenings
services will be held I'm the church in.
stead OF in memorial chapel