The Colorado statesman., 1911-12-30

Poughkeepsie, N. Y.-It was a big
day for the members OF the New Zion
church when the handsome brick and
cement building, located at Cottage
and Smith streets, was formally dedi-
Gated, on which occasion the deeds,
covering both ground and editice, were
handed over to the congregation by
the donor, William w. Smith, the
noted philanthropist OF Poughkeepsie.
Accompanying Mr.. Smith were his
wife, son and grandson, and many OF
the girls from his establishment on
Market street. During the service he
appeared visibly affected by the sim
cerity of the homage paid him, and
particularly by the ovation rendered
him at the close of the services, when
it became impossible for him to leave
the church for some time, SO express
sive were those in the audience in
their desire to thank him individually
for what he had done for the colored
citizens Of Poughkeepsie.
The little church, which is two
story brick structure surmounted by
belfry, was packed to the doors, and
many well known business men OF
Poughkeepsie were present.
The dedicatory sermon was deliv-
cred by Rev. l.. G. Mason, P. E., who
selected as his text for the occasion,
Upon This Rock | Build My Church"
1t was a strong and forceful sermon
reaching the hearts of the people.
Following the offertory, when over
800 was collected, the Hon. w. w.
Smith, ascending the platform OF the
church which he was to present to
the small, but enthusiastic congrega-
ton, in a short though impressive
address, congratulated the colored
people of Poughkeepsie upon the sue
cessful elimination of the years OF
labor leading up to the present dedi-
cation.
He said he had followed the rising
fortunes of the old church from It's
very inception, through its many vicls-
situdes, until the time arrived to erect
a new church when, feeling that he
owed something to the colored peo-
pie of Poughkeepsie he remarked to
the pastor If he would consult with
an architect and later make known
what he wished done, he (Mr. Smith)
would assist the church in the fur
therance of their plans.
With high compliments to the pres
ent pastor for his zeal and personal
interest In the church's welfare, Mr..
Smith presented the deed of the prop
erty. free and clear Of all encum-
brances. with the hope that the edifice
would be used for the advancement
of the colored race and the spreading
of the Kingdom of God in this world.
In concluding his remarks Mr..
Smith said that 1t was his earnest
desire that the young people take an
interest in the church and make 1t
gathering place and their guide to-
wards purer and more noble lives.
Responding to this hearty appeal
for the interest of the race in fur
therance Of religious devotion, Rev.
BENJAMIN Judd pronounced the donor.
William W. Smith. as among the
greatest men he had ever met-not
alone on account Of his bigness OF
heart and generous spirit OF philan-
thropy. but because of his inherent
love of fellowman. He said that ne
found w. w. Smith pre-eminently
man among men. willing at all times
to put aside personal prejudice and
meet all men upon an equal footing.
Never had he visited the residence
or business establishment OF Mr..
Smith, said Rev. Judd, when he had
been denied an interview. nor had
any benefits been solicited from him
that we're not more generously com.
piled with than the mere request had
urged. Never was he tired OF help
ing a worthy cause and suffi ficiently
high tribute could not be voiced in
words expressing the appreciation OF
those benefited by the magnanimous
gift just presented to them.
Upon the subsistence of applause
greeting the completion of these re-
marks, the Hon. John C. Dancy, for.
merly recorder of deeds for the gov
ernment at Washington. arose, and
on behalf of the colored people pres
ent introduced a public resolution OF
thanks to the donor, which the con.
gregation voiced unanimously by a
standing vote.