The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1902-02-28
Rally Day Service.

A large congregation assembled in
Christ church Sunday morning to
take part in the special Rally Day
services. A shortened form of morn
ing prayer was used which left more
time for the addresses. The music
was hearty land well rendered. The
people joining in the old familiar
hymns with evident appreciation.
The rector did not take a text, for
he said that it was his intention on
the present occasion to depart from
the customary form of discourse and
to state few plain simple facts in
such way asscould hardly be called a
sermon. He pointed out in the first
place that the one great spiritualizing
force in the. world is christianity, or
rather is the Christ, the centre
about which all religious teaching re-
wolves. For, the continuity Of His
teaching Christ established the
church, AM organization; to be seen
and known, not vague and shadowy
conception in theminds of men, but a
living, substantial reality in the world
of men. The greatest obstacle, no W.
ever, in the way Of religious progress
is not opposition from enemies out
side, but fromIthe thoughtless indif-
ference of protesting friends within
the church's ranks. The best conflict
into which christlans!could, enter in
this day, would be to fight to a finish
the devil OF indifference which clogs
and hinders the noblest efforts Of life.
Social and political organizations,
clubs, lodges and fratefhal societies,
are all good in their way, but the
moment protesting christians permit
these to stand in the way Of their
duty and allegiance to the church Of
Christ. They do injury to the great
est and most potent social influence
the world has ever possessedliand are
guilty Of dishonoring theiriLord.
In referringsto parochial conditions,
the rector said they had.much to be
thankful for. The parish Twas so har-
monious in character that he did not
think this feature could be improved
upon. The organizations are active
and energetic, the ladies being, as
usual, leaders in every goodlword and
work. We have moreover vestry
composed Of men who have the conf
dence and respect Of the community
and who are capable Of bringing to a
successful issue anything they might
undertake.
We have, 1 think, financially the
most economically managed parish in
Michigan, a distinction OF which we
need not be ashamed. You all know
the character Of the work and services
Of this church, and yet the annual cost
OF maintaining the same, including all
salaries, rector, choir, sexton, light
ing and heating, is less than fifteen
hundred dollars. There are Of course
some other matters outside the actual
running expense Of maintenance, such
as interest on mortgage, insurance and
diocesan assessments which amount to
about $3.50 more. The total consider
to be indicative Of the ability OF those
in charge to make an honorable show
ing, and TO use advantageously the
means at their disposal. Regarding
particulars OF these matters, the
rector stated that there were those
present who we're better qualified to
speak and he would cheerfully give
them an opportunity. Mr.. c. S. VIII
liams here followed with an address
embodying a financial statement
offered some sound advice In practi-
Cal manner. Mr.. James Osburn then
spoke upon the various favorable con-
ditiops existing and expressing his con-
tidence In the people suggested that
they begin early TO provide Tor a
generous Easter Offering.
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