The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1903-05-17
TO HONOR WESLEY
uETHODISTS WILL GATHER IN sA-
VANNAH.
BI.CENTENARY EXERCISES.
nEGIN JUNE 25 AND CONTINUE
FOUR DAYS.


Railroads.
Although the bi-centenary celebra-
ton Of the birth of John Wesley is yet
a month away there is perhaps no sub
iect which more prominently stands
out in view than the coming event;
one that will be observed with more
or less ceremony in all parts of the
world where there are members of the
Methodist Church.
In Savannah, where Wesley lived
and labored. while in this country,
special preparations have been made and
prominent orators have been invited to
come from various points and speak of
Wesley, his work and associates. The
celebration here will occupy several
days, starting on Thursday June rs,
and during the time appointed suitably
inscribed tablets will be placed on the
three places where Wesley lived, taught
and preached. A portion of the pro-
gramme has been arranged to be held
in Trinity Methodist Church and an
afternoon will be spent at Bethesda,
the beautiful charity that was founded
by Whitfield, a co-worker with Wesley,
who has been quoted as saying that
the orphanage was the outcome of sug-
gestions made by Wesley himself.
The Southeastern Tariff Association
has consented to a very reasonable
rate for the celebration and tickets
will be sold several days before the
event. and with return limit placed
several days after the completion of the
programme The city of Savannah will
be ready to receive guests from all
parts of the South, and from indica-
tons there will be a very large at
tendance of admirers of John Wesley
present.
Programme and Speakers.
The celebration will begin on Thurs
day, June 20, $50 p. m. Hon. Samuel
B. Adams of Savannah, will be the
orator, and his subject will be Yves
ley, the Founder of Methodism." Mr..
Adams was born in Savannah, educat-
ed here and at the University of Geor-
gia, has the confidence, admiration and
love of the entire city and state. He
was selected to represent Southern
Methodism. Mr.. Adams reluctantly
accepted the appointment, urging that
some one from a distance be invited,
but his brethren preferred him to any
other Southern layman, and insisted
on his filling the appointment. His
subject will excite interest all through
Methodism and the world, interested
in church history. A theory has been
advanced that Wesley was not the
founder of MethodisIn and never de-
sired or intended the organization of
the Methodist Church. The public will
be greatly interested in the discussion
of this historical question. 1t is need
less to say Mr.. Adams, both by men
tai training, native ability and thor
ough study of history, is well prepared
to discuss the theme.
Day at bethesda.
Friday, June rs, will be a day of
great entertainment. Charles Wesley
a brother of John, also came to Ameri-
ca and was also deeply interested in
the Methodist movement. George White
field followed Wesley, as missionary 20
Savannah. He was the most eloquent
man OF his day, the founder of the
Bethesda Orphanage, and a most fer
vent Methodist. 1t is very appropriate
that the connection of these men with
John Wesley should be noted in this
celebration. Consequently, two such
services are to be held.
In the afternoon of the 26th, on the
beautiful campus at Bethesda, Bishop
D. A. Goodsell of Chattanooga, Tenn,
will speak on wesley and VNhitefeld."
Bishop Goodsell is one of tins leading
bishops of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, He is large in body, brainy
fY1J Of
the most popular clergymen of the
North Methodist Church. Bishop Good
sell is a man of fine literary ability,
for many years he was editor of the
Book Review" department of the
Christian Advocate, published in New
York. the paper having the largest cir
culation of any denominatlonal paper
in the United States.
bishop GaIIOway's Address.
At night Bishop Charles B. Galloway
of Jackson, Miss, will speak. His sub
jest will be, "Charles Wesley, the
Hymnist of the Ages"
Bishop Galloway is the youngest
man ever elected bishop in the M. H.
Church South. He was elected IN 1885,
when only 81 years of age. HIS min
istry was in Mississippi, where he was
pastor of the leading Methodist
churches from time to time. AT the
tor of the New Orleans Christian Ad-
vocate He is the most polished orator
of the Southern Methodist Chufch. Ills
voice is superb, his delivery graceful
his treatment of his theme unctous'
popular and striking. This will be MS
first visit to Savannah. The people
desire very much to hear him. Blshop
Galloways address will in itself draw
large attendance to the exercises
from the surrounding country
An Excursion on River.
Saturday. June q, will be devoted
to an excursion down the river. Inc
visitors will doubtless enjoy the day
very much. The water, in when tne
fleet which brought Oglethorpe ana the
Wesleys over, will be viewed as Wen
as the land on which Wesley nrsl
touched American soil. EXtempore
addresses will be made and the day
Will no doubt prove delightful. At SSO
p. m. Rev. DIR. w. P. Thirkield OF
Cincinnati will speak He has great
theme, The Influence of Wesley on
American Civilization" DR.. Thirkield
Is a splendid orator. he has the grasp
OF mind, power of expression, popular
sympathy and oratorical delivery.
great treat is expected.
Methodist Love Feast.
Sunday, June 2s. is the central day
OF the occasion. In the morning there
VIII be an old-fashioned Methodist love
feast. 1t may be necessary to hold
one at each Methodist Church. Rev.
George G.. N. MacDonell, an old-time