Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1908-07-21
sMYRNA's NEW CHURCH.


handsome new church building to the
worship Of God, and the occasion was
most interesting, enjoyable and prof.
table to all present.
The congregation was made up OF
most of the members Of Smyrna, large
delegations from Hickory Grove, Sha-
ron, Bethany, Yorkville and other AS
sociate Reformed churches, the Baptist
Methodist and Presbyterian churches,
and other visitors, many Of them from
considerable distances. The features
of the day were most interesting
programme, splendidly carried out, al
bountiful spread Of good things at
great picnic dinner, and the delightful
hospitality of the Smyrna people tol
their numerous visitors.
The exercises Of the day commenced
at II o'clock in the morning; but the
people had commenced to assemble as
early as 9, and the interval was pleas
antly filled in with greetings between
old friends, the exchange Of social
courtesies, and keeping cool at the
grateful barrel of ice water that mad
been provided for the comfort OF the
people against the terrific heat Of the
day. Upon the approach Of the ap-
pointed hour, during the singing of a
number Of selections by the choir, the
big crowd poured steadily into the
house and filled every available seat.
The dedicatory sermon was preached
by Rev. ]. P. Knox, formerly pastor OF
Smyrna and Hickory Grove, now pas
tor of the Associate Reformed church
in Columbia, and still occupying a
warm place in the hearts Of the MEM
bers Of his old congregations. Rev. Mr..
Mr.. Knox took for his text the last
clause of the 9Th verse Of the 96th
Strength and beauty are In
His sanctuary" and built his sermon
on the idea that the strength and beau
ty referred to came not from sound and
massive timbers and perfect architec-
ture; but from the character and con-
duct of the people who steadfastly
sought to learn and obey the teachings
of God. In the sermon, Mr.. Knox made
clear the full significance Of the dedi-
cation ceremony, explaining that up to
this day the house belonged to the peo-
pie who built 1t; but today they were
to transfer the title to God, and that
from henceforth it would not be their
house; but Gods house-a house in
which God would dwell, and in which
they could meet Him and get from Him
the strength, hope and comfort that He
gives to those who devote themselves
to His service. The sermon was able
and instructive and was listened to
with the most appreciative interest
throughout.
Following the sermon the choir led
the congregation in singing part Of
the 87th Psalm, and in a most beauti-
full and touching prayer, Rev. j. l.
Oates, in behalf Of the congregation
dedicated the building to the worship
of God. The keynote Of the prayer
is comprehended in pretty figure like
ening the gift and it's reception to the
spirit that prompts the trusting child
In offering a treasured broken toy to
its parent and the loving consideration
with which the gift Is accepted. "This
house, our Father does not compare
with thousands Of magnificent struc-
lures that have bene reared to Thy glo-
ry. 1t is but poor gift to Thee; but
it is the best we have, and we feel sure
that thou wilt accept it, and make 1t
Thy dwelling place so long as we truly
try to hold ourselves as worthy of
Thee"
After the dedication there was an
interval Of an hour for rest and re-
freshments. Before dismissing the
congregation, Rev. Mr.. Oates announc-
ed that dinner would be spread on the
tables erected for the purpose, and all
present were expected to make them
serves at home without further invita-
ton. 1t was a great dinner, Of course,
consisting of the choice products Of
field, garden, pasture, poultry yard, and
prepared for the table with the intelli-
gence, experience and skill that makes
perfection. And 1t was abundant too, |
both for those who preferred to confine
themselves to special delicacies, and
for those who were more inclined
toward general variety. That the din
ner was enjoyed by all present goes
without saying.
After the recess the congregation
again assembled in the church to en- |
Joy the balance Of the programme, con-
sisting of short addresses by able min |
isterial speakers on different assigned
subjects.
Rev. ]. S. Grier of Sharon, was the |
first speaker. His subject was DIR. |
Ross and His Work" Mr.. Grier had
a fruitful subject and he handled 1t |
we'll. He drew a picture Of the condi-
tions as they existed when DR.. Ross
took charge in 1912, told of the doc
tors labOrs until 1858, Of an Interrupt
tion of his pastorate until 1871, and it's
continuance till 1890-forty- eight years
from the beginning Of his first pastor
ate to the end Of his last pastorate and
an active relationship Of twenty-nine
years as pastor. In a general way he
traced the influence Of the doctors
work beyond the bounds Of Smyrna,
beyond the limits Of the county and
state into the country and world at
large He asserted with confidence
that If DR.. Ross had been a lawyer in
stead Of a preacher, he would have
found his way to the supreme court |
bench and if he had devoted himself to
craftsmanship, his ultimate goal would
not have been short of the United
States senate; but he claimed with as
surance that as pastor Of Smyrna, Sha-
ron and Hickory Grove that he had ac
cOmplished more for his fellowman
and for God than he could have accom-
plished in any other sphere. Without
detra acting from the others who had la
bored at Smyrna, he felt warranted in
pointing to the conditions as they ex-
ist throughout the entire neighborhood
today as evidences Of the splendid work
OF this great and good man.
Rev. DR.. F.. M. Stevenson, who was
to have delivered an address on Chris