The Republican journal., 1909-12-23

little body of earnest and devoted workers OF
that day, and congratulated the members OF
today on their improved and modern church
edifice. He extended the greetings of the
State Convention and spoke of the pride of
that body in the Baptist church in Belfast; of
its loyalty in the past and its commendable eff
forts in the present. The statistics given and
the examples cited were encouraging as to the
church of the future. He could read in the
signs of the times the principles of religion
carried out in the business world, in social
functions, and by the men who hold high po-
litical offices. He spoke briefly of the high
ideals and church loyalty of President Roose-
velt, of the laymen's movement in Maine.
and of the awakened interest in the missionary
spirit in its broadest sense by men of affairs as
one of the most hopeful signs of the times
1t was an able and helpful discourse, and
held the close attention of a large audience.
pastor.
The centennial banquet at the Baptist church
December 21st was fitting close to the inter-
esting exercises that marked the closing of
the church's one hundred years. The audi
torium was opened fer the guests while the
supper committee were making ready the ten
long tables in the vestry. All the clergymen
in the city with the exception of Rev. Ashley
A. Smith of the Universalist and Rev. David
L. Wilson of the North church, who sent re-
grets, were present. At the appointed hour
Rev. A. G. Roberts invited the guests to the
vestry and in few minutes all were seated at
the tables, which were laden with an abun-
dance of delicious food consisting of chicken
pie, salads, etc. The young men of the So
ciety assisted by the committee, served. At a
long table on the platform were those who
were to have special parts in the exercises to
follow. An attractive feature of the banquet
were the place marks of sprigs Of holly. Rev.
A. E. Luce of the Methodist church offered
Chaples opened the program, which held the
closest attention of all present Rev. A. G.
Roberts, as master of ceremonies, presented
the regrets and congratulations of the absent
ministers and their respective churches.
After few general remarks concerning the
pastor introduced Rev. Adolph Rossbach of
the Unitarian church, who extended friendly
and cordial congratulations and spoke of the
early religious history of our city and churches.
His remarks were received with appreciative
applause. Mrs. E. P Frost rendered vocal
solo, which was followed by paper prepared
and read by Mrs. Benjamin Robertson on the
early church history of the Baptist denomina-
ton. The sixtyfour years history of the La
dies Sewing Circle was presented by Miss
Maude E. Mathews. Of the original members
only one remains, Mrs. H. Ii. Carter. This
was followed by piano solo by Miss Florence
A. Heal. The East Side was represented by
Rev. William Vaughan of Trinity Reformed
church, who extended congratulations and
spoke of the church history of Belfast during
the two years of his churchs existence The
benediction was pronounced by Rev. j. w.
Vaughan of Citypoint. 1t was good to be
there to listen to the music, the able addresses
and interesting papers, and to note the fellow
ship of the differing denominations, all work
ing for the best interests and highest good of
the community.