The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-01
SERVICE HELD
 AT MIDNIGHT  People Pray and Sig at New
 Years BrthA OCCASION ONE OF s0lEMNITY Last Minute of Old Year FiHds Chris tIans On Their Knees and First Minute of New Year teI-
 comed By Song.
OCCASION ONE OF S0llMNITY

Nearly two hundred Christian people assembled in the prayer room of the First Methodist church, were on their knees in silent prayer during the las1 minute of the old year, and were singing q Am Thine, o, Lord" during the first minute of the new year, the occasion keing the night watch services.
 The services were very solemn, consist ing of short addresses, singinf and pray CT. At 10 o'clock people began to enter the room and in an hour it s%as comfort- ably filled. At midnight fhot vacant chair remained.
 Immediately after the closing prayer there was a short seasbn of hand clasp- ing. and many were the happy New Year. wishes.
 The Rev Dr. J. R. McFerrin officiated over the seryices.g He stated that he any one who felt inclined to say any thing. Several men told of their religious experiences, and a number led In prayer
 Among those who spoke were J. D. Simpson, the Rev. w. R. Hendrix of St. Johns church, Ira D. Hawkins of Jones' boro,-the Rev E. B. Norton, pastor of the East Lake Methodist church; J. D. Moore the Rev. Dr. L. S. Handley. pastor of the Central Presbyterian church; c. w. Bailey and P. B. Thomas Among the number who led In prayer were the Rev. MT. Norton, pr. McFerrin, pr. Hendley and Dr. E. W. Jones'
 Miss Bell Mccoy presided at the piano. The music consisted entirely of congrega- tional singing, familiar hymns being sung.
 At seven minutes of 12 o'clock Dr. Me- Perrin announced that the old year had but few minutes to live. In this con- nection he made a talk, which was in substance as follows:
 pr. McFerrIn's Remarks.
 q am not great believer In resolutions, but I do think that everyone should have a purpose; nothing can be accomplished by anyone unless he or she has purpose in view.
 q suggest that everyone here say: By the grace of God, next year l will try to do some good every day, and each day do something that will tend to advance Gods kingdom, will endeavor to alleviate some sorrow, to wipe away the tears of sorrow from some cheek, will help some one to lead a better life. If you do this, just think what you can accomplish in one year.
 "The power of habit Is very great, and everyone should be regular and punctual In everything. Don't live a purposeless life. Let us be somebody's man or wo- man, Gods man or woman. Remember the time will come when we will all wish we had done these things. A man the greatest regret of his life that he had lost so many opportunities. If we do not take advantage of our opportunities we will deeply regret 1t.
 Tt is now just six minutes and this old year will be gone. Suppose we had only six more minutes to live? We ought to think on this line. on death and the coffin. A man dropped dead in Birming- ham the other day. Suppose some voice here would be hushed in death just as midnight arrived. How would you all d solemn thing to die and we ought to think about these things.
 Now in Just five minutes 1902 will be gone. It is going to join the years that are past Tomorrow you will write 1903, and have nothing more to do with 1902.
 Just four minutes are now left of the old year. Did you ever dream of dy- ing. and that you were about to quit this old world forever? If you never did you cannot know how a man or woman feels as life ebbs away"
 All kneIt.
 Dr. McFerrin then announced that all present would kneel and engage in silent prayer. Perfect stiffness prevailed throughout the room as everyone knelt. and bowed heads offered up their peti- tions to the throne of grace.
 Just before they arose Dr. McFerrin led in prayer. The petition was brief, "Oh, Lord we feel the solemnity of this hour. In enc minute 1902 will pass away forever to join the years that have been. Forgive us for all of the wrongs and sins we have committed during the past year. May the blood of Jesus Christ cleanse us. and may there be such love and devotion in our lives as never be- fore, and grant that there may also be many triumphs in the churches next year. We consecrate ourselves to Thee as the new year comes. Help us to well come 1t with glad hearts, for Jesus sake amen"
 The people then arose from their knees and sang the old familiar song. q am Thine O Lord" When the chorus: Draw me nearer. nearer. nearer blessed
 Lord,
 To the cross where Thou hast died; Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed
 Lord,
 To Thy precious bleeding side"