Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-11-30

A bible was offered as a prize to chill
dren learning the catechism, and in
one month the membership Of the
school was increased from 30 to $50,
and 10 bibles were given as prizes
The plan was taken up by the church
at large, the presbytery and synod, and
$4,000 was appropriated for the fund
to procure prizes, Of which 5000 were
given. The work spread into all parts
Of the country and into Canada until
100000 children were studying the cat
echism and $4,000 prize bibles were
given.
RELATES HISTORY OF BELL.
He also told Of the placing Of the
old bell in the church on Second ave
nue.. 1t has cast In It "Meenley Bell
company, Troy, n. Y 1885," and it
was raised TO its place by means Of
pulleys drawn by a yoke Of oxen. AZ
ter il had been placed and thought Sc
cure, IL suddenly crashed to the base
ment of the church. 1t was unchanged
and had to again be lifted by the yoke
of oxen The bell remained in the
tower Of the old church until it was
RACED and the bell was removed to the
new church last spring. The pipe OF
gan Of the church was placed in the
old church. 1S59-1866, as a memorial
by p. l.. Cable This was in service
until the demolishment OF the church
by tornado Sept. IS, 1874. 1t was re-
paired and was then used until the
building was razed In April, 1910. In
the new organ in the present church
the pipes in the west arch are from
the old organ and several of the large
stops of the organ are in the present
instrument So the history continued
with interesting incidents in connec-
ton with the church.
EXCHANGE OF GREETINGS.
Greetings from the various branches
of church work were given. From the
Ministerial alliance by its president,
Rev. J. L. Vance; from the sister
churches by DR. H. W. Reed, from the
Moline churches by Rev. n. p Glemak-
err and from the Rock River presby-
terry by Rev Charles E. Fisk, Phi. D.
The principal address of the evening
was given by Rev. l. NJ. Coffman, D.
d., pas.or of the First Presbyterian
church of Davenport, who took as his
theme "Seventy-Five Years and the
Future" and delivered an eloquent and
forceful address Musical numbers
were rendered by the choir, 20, Clap
Your Hands," by Turner, and Still
G-ilI With Thaa NV EOntn
Today no special services have been
prepared, but the day is given over to
visiting and renewal of friendship
among present and former members
and friends.
The services Wednesday evening
were most appropriate for the open
ing of the anniversary celebration
Over 200 people were served at the
supper which was served by the ladies
OF the church. and 1t was a very happ!
reunion of the members and friends
, Five-minute messages were given b!
. Miss Mary Kelly of Milan, one of tn,
, first members of the church; Mrs
, Bromley, Major H. c. Connolly, c. D
Mclaughlin. and Rev. T. R. johnson
OI EuSluBlOU, ana OIueTS. MIS-. "
Leonard read number Of letters from
former members who sent hearty cor
gratuations and best wishes on this
the 18th anniversary. Rev. Marion
Humphreys read letters from forme
pastors. and H. ID. Folsom responde,
in behalf Of present church members
; The address of the evening was give
by DR.. W. S. Marquis of Broadwa
Presbyterian church, who took as hi
theme The Twentieth Century Chris
tian Church." and delivered a splendi
address in which he spoke of the de
mand on the present day Christian.
CELEBRATION At EDGINGTON.
II is an interesting coincidence tha
!, the Presbyterian church of Edgingto
is also celebrating the 18th annive
sary of its organization. The churc
was organized Just one day followin
the organization of Central churcl
. DIR. w. S. Marquis will tomorro'
> preach the anniversary sermon at E.
, gington. the celebration of the ann
versary having begun with service
] YESTERDAY