The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-03-23
FANNY CROSBY AT 94
 SPEAKS IN CHURCH

Throughout the city yesterday, many churches held services in honor of the 94th birthday of Aunt Fanny Crosby as she is affect1onately known in Bridgeport which comes tomorrow. The c1ergymen and also numbers of the congregation wore violets in remembrance of her.
 Perhaps the most interesting of these services was the one held last evening in the First Methodist Epis- copal church at which Miss Crosby herself was present and addressed the large audience.
 Four of her own hymns were used during the service, Miss Crosby join ing in the singing herself. Never Give Up,' All the Way My Saviour Leadeth Mes'' .sBIessed Assurance" and "A Year of Precious Blessing were the ones sung. Another "Shadows," written by Robert Hark- was also used. f
 Rev. MT. Brown introduced Miss Crosby to the audience telling her how glad they were to see her and wishing her many more happy years. So interested were the people present that they almost held stheir5 Preaths for fear of losing what she said.
 My dear friends" she said, s'I don't know when in all my long life, I have enjoyed such service as this. The barge that has brought me over has borne me on the ocean of Gods love- Miss Crosby here made 9 touching reference to her dead sister saying 1T believe that my sister is very near me. I will behold her sweet face in Heaven. A year ago when I had pneumonia, I was very near my Fathers House. I was as peaceful and calm as a. baby. I had no pain. no suffering. put all my trust. in Him; left all my care to Him.. He will never leave those who trust Him. He has been all the way. a guide to me, protected me, answered my pray CTS. O, believe He has a work for me yet. I am willing to live as long as He wants me. l. was i'll, but through His grace became well. O, God, not my will but Thine be done. In my own room I have bowed my head and pleaded, and in due time he answered. . prayer, how much it did for her and she asked all to have recourse to it in trials and troubles; ssthe good will come out of it and He will answer the prayer much better than you thfnk.,' She had practiced morning and evening prayef and continues to do so, though she has not the strength to arise from the pended knee.
 Last week was anxious about my pastor. bowed my head in the rocking chair and prayed for him, prayed that he might be spared to us. My faith looks up to Him I cling to Him can walk with Him by faith. The language of my heart. I have Him only to live for.s' Miss Crosby here made aIlusion to the Scriptures and the history of the Israelites, quot- ing. whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth,'' and recfted with deep pathos. Nearer My God to Thee
 s"sLast week, I received a letter an nouncing the death of my last school mate. She is waiting for me-, Tn conclusion, she said. My dear people, I love you dearly and if I should first cross to the beautiful shore I know I shall greet you there-''
 Rev. MT Brown announced that hereafter March 24 shall be known as Violet Day in honor of Miss Crosby's birthday, and that on Sunday nearest that day, members of the congrega- ton will be asked to wear the flow CT and make a song sArvice of Miss Crosby's hymns.