Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-02-03

Rev. Ira o. Nothstelr.
struggle and herioc effort has never
been written, nor never will be writ
ten, because it cannot be written. Only
in eternity, in the grand summing up
Of all things, can the complete record
Of this work be fully appreciated.
Those first days were the days of small
beginnings. But the faithful band Of
workers were true TO their convictions
and stood firm at their post, their con-
tidence in the divine promises never
waverinE. Outlines the answer TO
anxious inquiry about the prospect Of
success was there is nothing" But
by and by there arose "a little cloud
opt OF the sea like a mans hand"
That little cloud soon grew larger and
presently spread its influence out in
ever widening circles so that il water
ed Gods field with refreshing showers
70 make glad the city OF the King.
This work was like the handful of
corn in the earth upon the top of the
mountains II has been essentially
a work of seed sowing There was
long and tedious preparation of the
sell. there was careful planting, there
was patient waiting for the harvest
while the early and the later rain of
Gods grace meliowed the soil and
quickened the seed. The influence of
such a work, like seed cast into the
ground, must go indefinitely, multiply
ing itself II touches human life in a
thousand points 10 instruct. iIlumine.
encourage, ennoble. uplift and inspire
human souls. The forces which go out
from such a center virtually have no
bounds, they extend TO the ends of the
earth, and operate in the whole body
OF mankind.
OBSTACLE SURMOUNTED.
Secondly This memorial is an oc-
casion for devout Thanksgiving to God
for the mercies that have attended this
congregation during its first Guarto-
centennial. We have many things to
be thankful for By the grace of God
this work has been maintained all
these years. ofttimes through adverse
circumstances. 1t is no small privi-
lege TO have a church home, TO have
ones own vine and fgtree, There
have been no Interruptions Of the ser
vices OF Gods house. It is matter for
thanksgiving that We have been per
mitted to cultivate this portion of
Gods heritage, that the Master has
deemed us worthy 70 occupy so honor
able, so widely influential a place in
his vineyard Truly the lines have
felieu unto us in pleasant places aud
We have a gOodly heritage"
TRIBUTE TO FORMER WORKERS.
We are thankful that God has raised
NJ friends and helpers in the hour of
need. This congregation has been pc
Culiarly blessed in a class of workers
OF unusual ability and efficiency in the
service of the Master. 1t is fitting that
on this occasion We record in a be-
coming way our appreciation of the
services rendered by those faithful
servants who have finished their work
upon earth. who have laid down the
cross and have taken up their crown OF
rejoicing. Among this sainted com.
pany, We mention with reverence the
name Of DR. Erland Carlson. one OF
the pioneers. a noble and Cody man,
q devoted friend, a humble and faith.
ful servant of Christ. He did what
he could, and his works do fOT6w him
There is one who stood in very init,
mate relation with this church from
its early inception and through the
most trying years Of its existence
namely. DR.. Williamson, who passed
away some years ago. He was the
best mortal friend this congregation
ever had. He was consecrated to the
service OF the Master He was a faith,
fUl servant who could always be re-
lied upon He was kind, Considerate
helpful to the poor and unfortunate
Though himself a great sufferer, he
never complained and always had a
warm hand and a word Of encourage
ment for every one. His memory is
a priceless legacy.
Another one Of those gone before "a
whom this church Is very much in
debted is Rev. Joseph L. Murphy. who
was pastor OF this congregation from
1898 till 1900 He was a faithful pas
tor and an untiring worker. His pas
torate was very successful and il
meant much for the welfare Of the
church. He being dead, yet speak
eth"
There are numerous others who in
, some way or another have been con
ueCted with the local CONGREGATION and
who have gone 10 their reward With
b. tender affection and with high appre
p citation OF their work We remember
them on this anniversary occasion.
INFLUENCE FAR-REACHING.
Not only is this Ebenezer a remind
. e. OF what this congregation owes 10
the dead. but also what it owes 10 the
, living. God has been good 70 US in
, giving Us q devoted. highly efficient
and faithful band OF workers. The or
fcers of the church are all filed by
a L.