Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-11-06

The Homecoming and Jubilee services
began last Sunday as announced in this
paper. The day was beautiful one
and all through the week the weather
has been favorable so that all, even the
country members, could attend and the
congregations have been large at every
meeting. At the Sunday morning SER
vice Rev. Avery Donovan, former
pastor of this church, preached an ex-
cellent and forcible sermon. The plat
form meeting at three o'clock was adj
dressed by Rev. Mr.. Simms, of Pennsyl-
vania, and Rev. DIR. C. w. Prettyman.
of the M. E. Church of Snow Hill. In
the evening large concourse of people
assembled to witness the burning of the
notes which represented in the aggre-
gate 50, $50, showing the entire indebted
ness of the church had been wiped out.
An eloquent sermon was preached by
Rev. DR.. J. NJ. Sheridan, president of
the Conference. DIR. Sheridan's sub
ject was, Help comes from the sanctu-
ary." At this service the pastor report
ed the receipt of collection that day
amounting to nearly 5000, which was 81
in excess of the sum asked for.
Rev. L. A. Benefits financial report
was most interesting, and the figures
show what can be done by earnest and
consecrated energy. During his pastor
ate of a little more than three years
Rev. Mr.. Bennett has raised $40, S44. Ia.
has cancelled a church debt of $500
and now has the satisfaction of seeing
the entire church property free of en-
cumbrance and greatly increased in
value by his efforts. Three years ago
the church and parsonage We're valued
at $40, 900; now they are considered
worth about $25. 900. OF the sum col
lected by Mr.. Bennett $500 has been
used to liquidate the debt and the re-
mainder has been used to pay interest
on debt and for necessary improvements
on church property.
The burning of the notes was a most
impressive ceremony. The pastor call
ed for the trustees of the church and
for the endorsers of the notes to come
forward to the chancel rail. The notes
were then presented to the president of
the Conference, who made brief adj
dress congratulating pastor and people
on their success and commencing them
for faithful service. The notes were
then placed on silver plate which was
held by DR.. Sheridan and Rev. Mr..
Donovan, and the pastor applied the
match. The enthusiasm was great and
the whole congregation returned thanks
by singing the long metre doxology,
PRAISE God from whom all blessings
fiow." 1t was peculiarly appropriate
that Rev. Avery Donovan should have a
part in these exercises as he began the
good work now completed by Mr.. Ben
nett. The church and parsonage were
built during his pastorate and he de-
serves much credit for his work accom-
plished in the face of many difficulties.
The weekday services have been well
attended and the Homecoming and Jubi-
lee meetings will be continued during
the coming week as the interest con-
tinues undated. Tuesday, Rev. G. /.
Humphreys, of Pocomoke City, and
Rev. DIR. j. b. North, of Snow Hill,
preached to attentive audiences. Rev.
DIR. Mills spoke Thursday afternoon on,
.sSoul winning" Tomorrow Sunday
Rev. w. M. Strayer, former pastor,
and DIR. J. M. Mills win preach.