The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1907-06-17
HISTORIC EVENT
IS RENE INBRED
Services in Commem0rati0n of
Introduction of English
Church in America.
SERMON BY DR.. PERKINS
IMPRESSIVE REVIEW OF IDEALS
OF HIS BELIEF.


commemoration of the three-hundredth
anniversary of the introduction of
English Christianity into America. The
sermon was preached by the rector,
Rev. Charles E. Perkins, and appro-
pirate music was given by the choir.
One of the significant features of
| this commemOratiOn is found in the
fact that the same prayers and gOS-
pei and epistle were used that the
Rev. Robert Hunt used at jamestown
three hundred years ago. Practically
the same service, but elaborated with
appropriate music was used in the
Little church covered with vines
that was used by the first settlers I'M
der the boughs of the trees, sheltered
from the elements by the spreading of
sail.
The text was taken from the 18th
chapter of st. Matthew's gospel, the
31st and 32nd verses, being the parable
of the mustard seed.
The rector said in part:
"Such commemoratiOn always does
us good. 1t makes us think of other
times and other places. Thus, temper
alities are lost sight of and provincial
ism gives place to a wider universally.
Our view this morning is both retro
spective and prospective. The begin
nings of the Christian church and its
progress with its present Opportuni-
ties and the future prospects demand
our consideration.
THE organism was complete when on
the Day of PentecOst the spirit of
life and power were breathed into us.
1t became then the body of Christ in
the world and the Extension of the
Incarnation" was the primary object of
the church. None more fully grasped
this idea than did the apostle to the
gentiIes. Christianity spread through
the then known world, and tradition
has it that st. Paul preached and es-
tabhshed' the church in Great Britain.
The Church's History.
ct is a matter of history that the
church was fully organized for over
three hundred years before the Roman
missionary, Augustine, landed at
Thanet. British bishops were present
at the council of Aries in the year
ga, and it was not until 597 that Greg
DRY sent his missionaries to the Angles.
This British church existed side by
side with the Roman branch and after
a few centuries it was partially alb
sorbed by it. Then at the time of
Henry the VIII. it threw off the yoke
of the Roman intrusion and presented
the Faith once delivered to the
Saints" in its pristine purity.
1T was from this church of England
that the settlers came to the shores of
the Old Dominion and in jamestown
built the first church of their fathers,
and used the services that were dear
to them and have been hallOwed with
use through centuries.
In due time, after all sorts of re-
verses. the EpisCOpate was established
and from Bishop White, through
noble line of ancestors, the church
came down to us. The names of Chase
and Kemper and Kip with a host of
those whom we might mention who are
now living it has heightened it's cords
and strengthened its stakes until it is
represented in every land where our
flag floats, and in foreign parts.
To-day it offers to the American peo
pie historic continuity, dating from
the time of the Apostles. Its Christian
year presents the fulness of the faith,
and its incompatible liturgy has been
the solace and stay of the bereaved
and tempted in all ages. Its emphasis
is upon the essential teachings of our
Lord and Master.
Well Grounded and Rooted.
AT times these things seemingly are
over-emphasized. But the church ap-
preciates the principle of being ground
! ed and rooted in the past that it may
meet the struggles and opportunities
of the future. This is no mean consid-
| GRAFTON. In an age of more or less
novelty it is the anchor that will hold
/ the ship when endangered by the
shoals of sin and unbelief. Nor
/ should we consider the defensive side
| of the warfare alone. The church has
begun more than ever to recognize that
| she has an aggressive warfare to wage
''AIl through our land are gathered
/ today faithful worshippers commemor-
ating this event. And to the church'S
credit the men are today making an
| offering, known as the Mems Thank
| offering in gratitude for the three
hundred years of Gods direction and
protecting care. She has a mission,
and to that mission the men are res
/ ponding.
What have we TO be grateful fOr2
A review of our heritage is sufficient
J TO make us thankful. What had been
( the condition of America if the Span
! lard and not the English ideal We're
| fastened firmly in the beginning upon
our institutional life. Religious liberty
was ingrained in the lives of the men
who made our colonial assemblies and
many among those who formed our
constitution and early government
were what We called churchmen.
English and not Latin Christianity
made its influence felt. Brazil and
/ other sections to the south of us made
answer for the Latin ideas. We point
with no pride to their condition. But
with gratitude TO God we are humbly
thankful that he directed otherwise for
! North America.
Thus the church comes before the
people a this time with her claims. 1t
is the same historic church of our faith
! ers. 1t is for us to carry out the high
! ideals. We shall endeavor to make
her more national than provincial
more catholic than sectarian. This
commemOration should get US out of
parochial selfishness. To think of
one as member of this communion of
saints should be helpful. In the staid
and tried paths We should walk with a
! firm step.
Wherever there is a soul to be help
ed there the church has d mission.
She knows no man according to world
! ly ideals. All are sinners and all need
a saviour. The church is the instru-
ment in Gods hand to carry forth this
salvation. Her portals are wide open
| for every hungry soul to come within
and receive that help that every man
needs The OppoTfuuitV Is here for.