Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1912-10-29

choir sang appropriate selections aud
the pastor gave historical sketch. The
first service held in the new auditorium
was on August II, 1879. The choir
opened the service with an anthem.
Rev. Henry Bolster, of Everett, Mass,
read the Scriptures and offered prayer,
and the pastor preached. November 8,
1879, the vestry complete in every part
with papered walls, carpeted floor,
woodwork and furniture reprinted, and
new lights, was occupied first. A new
bell costing about $500 was hung in
August, 1877. 1t called to service for
the first time August 10, 1877, and was a
pleasant change from what we bad been
having, for the old bell was badly crack
cd. Not long after the Congregational
bell was hung, the Methodists, with their
usual enterprise, hung fine bell In the
steeple of their church.
The afternoon preaching service was
discontinued during my pastorate. At
first there was considerable oppo..
sition to the change, but after 1t had
been omitted for few weeks there was
no desire to resume it.
During the two years and q little
more that was in South Paris the La
dies Circle raised the not uncomfortable
sum of S5SS.32.
During the Week of Prayer in 1878
union meetings were held with the
Methodists; there was no other church
in South Paris at that time. These
meetings developed such an interest
that they were continued during the en-
| tire month of January. On January 20
of that year We held q union praise
meeting in our vestry. 1t was Friday
evening; the vestry was packed; and
nearly forty arose to testify that they
| had found the Saviour. At the March
| Communion in 1878 thirteen Joined on
confession, and in May of the same year
seven more united, and one In July,
making twenty-one in all.
During the winter and spring Of 1878
| 70 there were union meetings again, fol-
lowed BY meetings in our own vestry
during January. After rest in Febrn-
ary from special services, the evangelist,
Rev. Z. A. Whittier, came and was with
us till March %, holding meetings every
afternoon and evening, and q half hour
meeting for business men at noon in the
| law Office of George A. Wilson. As re-
suit of these meetings, twenty.three
were added to the church on confession
lin May, 1878, among them father and
his three daughters, husband and wife
a brother and sister, two sisters, and
four from the Sunday School class Of the
pastors wife. The father just mention
ed was Henry Fobes who, at his own re
Quest, was baptized by immersion, ano
who afterward became deacon an6
served faithfully in that office until bs
died In the triumphs Of faith.
A young peoples meeting was begun
| In September, 1877. The Christian
Young men took turns In leading 1t, ant
there was an average attendance o.
about twenty-five. This Was before
lChristian Endeavor was born.
The saddest event Of my pastorat'
was the death by drowning OF Leste
Bolster, child Of Captain and Mrs. d. N
Bolster. he was five and bali year
old and his name was household WORD
His tragic death made every house
house OF mourning. On the very day o.
his death be and his mother together
made a wreath Of flowers for the caske
of a little girl of the same age as Lester
little did Mrs. Bolster dream that er
those flowers could fade they woul'
; come back to rest upon casket In he
own home. Testers death occurred
May 81, 1879.
In June, 1879, the pulpit being vacant
Il was voted to arrange With Rev. +. 4
Bacon, of Norway, to preach on Sunda
afternoons. In January, 1881, Rev. \
G. ingalls, received and accepted q ca
and remained as pastor till October
1884. At the annual meeting In JAM
, ary, 1885, It was voted to call Rev. A. =
J Fitz. The call was accepted and MI
> Fitz remained with the church till Octt
, Der, 1892. It was during the pastoral
of Mr.. Fstx that . new and oeautiit
organ was purchased and Installed IN u
D present place. At meeting OF th
Ladies' Circle February 2, 1887, It va
voted to work for now organ. When
/, ladies' circle unanimously pass 2 motion
!. of that kind, We know what 1t mean
q | They did work and not without success
for on September 10, 1890, as result Q
4 their untiring efforts, headed by MIR
: George A. Wilson, the new organ We
dedicated; and q generous donation hay
inc been received from Messrs. Charlie
!. and Samuel Morse OF Minneapolis,
q vas voted 70 call the organ "The Deace
J. ! Iiiohs MORE Memorial Osona." Az q