The Republican journal., 1909-12-23
The Belfast Baptist Church
l8O9-19O9.
Re-Openine and Centennial Services.

Re-Opening and Centennial Services.
The most interesting day in the long and
eventful history of the Belfast Baptist church
was Sunday, December 18th, when the church
was reopened after repairs and improvements
had been made and centennial services were
held. In June, 1909, Elder Isaac Case of
/ Thomaston came to Belfast in the interests of
few Baptists, and July 18th of that year a
church was organized. In 1910 twenty
men, whose names are identified with the early
history of the city and whose descendants are
connected with all the different church organ
izations of today, Incorporated the organiza-
| ton. With the exception of short period of
inactivity in its early history it has been a
power for good in the city. The present
church edifice was built in 1897 1t was re-
modelled in 1869 at cost of $6000 and the
church was rededicated, June "a 1873. The
list of pastors for its 100 years existence shows
long pastorates of able and educated men,
| The edifce today is convenient, modern and
well furnished. The large vestry and adj oin-
are in excellent condition and the auditorium
has been thoroughly renovated and repair
ed The new steel ceiling and walls are fres-
coed in tones of tan and green. A new green
carpet las been laid, the gift of the Ladies'
Sewing Circle, and the green choir rail curtain is
the gift of the Young Ladies Social Union the
carpet and curtain harmonizng with the walls
| The twelve new windows, set three double on
either side, are of the latest design in Cathe-
dral glass in tones of green and tan with fan
effect at the top and conventional design at
the base in brighter but blending colors. The
pride of those most interested in the modern
/ lied edifce is the memorial window the
front in memory of the late Mrs. Fidelia A.
Carter, one of the most worthy members who
gave the best of her youth, middle life and old
age to her beloved church and whose bequest
made these improvements possible. Respect
ing her modest tastes the window is very
plain, its tones duplicating those of the other
windows and following their conventional de-
signs. The windows light up beautifully, both
by sunlight and electricity. The new pulpit
and chairs, the gift of the Y. P. S. c. E., are
simple in design. The pulpit has the new roll
electric light.
At the reopening service at 10.45 a. M, the
choir, composed of Misses Edna Hopkins and
Edith L. Burgess and Messrs. Frank R. Keene
and Earl L. Talbot-all members of the church
rendered excellent music, the large audience
! joining in singing the hymns Prof Frederick
L. Anderson, D. D., of Newton Theological In
stitute, who preached the sermon, extended
the greetings of his institute and cordial con-
gratuations on the old-new church building.
| DR.. Anderson has strong personality, a con-
vincing manner and deep and flexible voice,
and made a lasting impression on his hearers.
''The Church of the Living God" was his text
and he handled it from an ideal standard. He
| spoke first of the church at Jerusalem and its
| growth to the modern churches, touching upon
their activities, their characteristics their real
message. their functions, and the church's re-
sponsibility for it's individual members living
the real Christian life. He said the world IS
people read understandingly the life of church
members more than they do the Bible The
morning prayer was by Rev. Irving B. Mower,
D. d. OF Waterville, and the responsive read
ings and brief remarks, were by the pastor,
Rev Arthur George Roberts. Following is the
act of dedication, which was based on COM
pilaton by Rev. Robert L. Burdette
Minister: In the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
People: Amen.
Minister: To the Glory of God, to the praise
of the Holy Trinity,
People, We re-dedicate this house.
Minister: For worship in prayer, song and
ordinance, for the ministry of the Word for
the fellowship of the saints,
People: We re-dedicate this house
Minister: For comfort to those who mourn;
for strength to those who tempted; for
grace to those who are afflicted; for every help
to right living; for the salvation of men,
People: We re-dedicate this house.
| Minister: For the guidance of childhood; for
the sanctifcation of the family for the sacred
unity of the home; for the purity of social life;
for the teaching of temperance and chastity,
People: We re-dedicate this house.
Minister: For the training of good conscience,
the teaching of pure faith and the preaching
of the plain and simple gospel of Jesus Christ,
People: We re-dedicate this house.
Minister: For the education of body and mind
and soul; for the fostering of the truest pa
triotsm the best citizenship, the highest ideals,
the noblest character; for the defense of all
righteousness and unceasing war against all
wickedness in private and public life, and all
dishonor in high places.
People: We re-dedicate this house.
Minister For the help of the poor, the relief
of the needy, the instruction of the ignorant
for the consolation of the troubled; for peace
to the distressed; for rest to the weary and
heavy laden; for hope for the discouraged and
disappointed; for the protection of the orphan
and the widow and the friendless; for welcome
for the stranger and wayfarer for the promo
ton of the brotherhood of man, the fellowship
of Righteousness, and the bringing in Of the
kingdom of God.
People: We, the people of the First Baptist
Church and Congregation, here and now con-
secrating ourselves anew, re-dedicate this
house to the teaching and the living of the
whole gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Minister: Now unto Him that is able to dc
exceeding abundantly above all that we ask OF
think, according to the power that worketh in
US, unto Him be glory in the Church by Christ
Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end
People: Amen.
One hundred and fifty were present at the
rally day exercises of the Sunday school at
the noon hour. The opening prayer was by
Mr.. O. E, Frost. Then followed a song by the
little girls in the classes of Mrs. A. G. Roberts
and Misses Edith L. Burgess and Idella D
Knowlton; responsive reading; song by Mar
guerite Coombs; greeting by the Superinten-
dent, Mr.. Charles H. Twombly; remarks by
DR.. Anderson; ten minutes lesson study; re-