The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1909-01-07
CHURCH DEDICATION m THoRNDIKI
The New Congregational Church Starts
Free From Debt.

uS INSW congregational NAsAISu 0e0AsS
Free From Debt.
Thursday, December 31st, was q red-letter
day in Thorndike. The weather was perfect
and the ceremonies attending the dedication of
the Congregational church were successfully
carried out. A p m. the silver key which
had been procured for the occasion was pre-
scented to C. E. Swift, who with appropriate
remarks opened the church in behalf of the
people. The sacred edifce was soon filled,
and the following order of service was carried
out:
Organ Prelude
Doxology and Invocation,
Rev. Charles Harbutt, Portland
Historical Statement, Mrs. B. Gowen
Congratulatory, Rev. Charles Harbutt
Freedom Male Quartette,
Financial Statement, Mr.. y. b. COX
Presentation of Pulpit Furniture, on behalf Of
Masonic Lodge. B. p Hurd, M. D.
Ofertory,
Hymn, Congregation standing
Dedicatory Sermon,
President David N. Beach, D. D
Dedicatory Act, Pastor and Congregation
The Act of Dedication.
Pastor-To the glory Of God, our Father, by
whose favor we have built this house:
To the honor of Jesus the Christ, the Son
of the living God our Lord and Savior;
To the praise of the Holy Spirit, source of
life and light;
Congregation-We dedicate this house
the ministry of the world; for the celebra-
ton of the Holy Sacraments;
Congregation dedicate this house
Pastor-For comfort to those who mourn; for
strength to those who are tempted; for
help in right living;
Pastor-For the sanctiication of the family;
for the guidance of childhood; for the sal
walton of men;
Congregation-We dedicate this house.
Pastor-For the fostering of patriotism; for
the training of conscience; for aggression
against evil;
Congregation-We dedicate this house
Dedicatory Prayer,
Prof Warren J. Moulton, Phi. D., D. D.
Response, Male Quartette
Benediction, President David N. Beach, D. D.
Organ Postlude.
The sermon in the evening was by Prof.
Warren J. Moulton of Bangor. The pastor, J..
Burford Parry, announced that the building of
the church had cost So, 900 and that $155 of this
amount remained unpaid. Through the efforts
of President Beach this debt was wiped out and
balance left in the treasury.
Almost in the center of the town stands
what is called the "Center church." For
many years the Gospel has been faith
fully preached there. Since the advent
of the railroad and the establishment of
Thorndike station, religious services have been
conducted in the halls close by. In January
1905, the Rev. F. D. Hanscom was called as
pastor, and through his earnest efforts church
was founded with IA members. Brief pastor
ates have followed the founding, the ministers
being Rev. Messrs. A. E. Gregg and G. E..
Mann, The latter was succeeded in October,
1907, by the present pastor, Rev. ]. Burford
Parry. Two attempts had been made at
building church but failed from lack of sup
port Last spring the matter came up again
and C. E. Smith started the subscription with
$500 and with the aid of others and the untiring
efforts of the pastor the desired end was attain
ed. The nine windows in the church are all
memorial windows. Commencing at the right
follows the John Perley family, then one in
memory Of William H. Sayward, then Samuel
Tilton. On the left hand entrance, first is in
memory of C. J. Hurd, next Nathan and Betsey
Ward, then the Hartmann, next in men,
DRY of the Flint family. The large Gothic
double window in the front end of the church
was donated by Charles E. Smith in memory of
Emily w. Smith.