The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1914-09-11
Two Very Pleasant Surprises.


A few evenings ago the members
and friends Of the Church of God, Of
Westminster, decided to surprise their
pastor by all going in body to the
parsonage, at Carrollton. The plans
for the surprise were made and car
ried out successfully The large
crowd came, some in automobiles,
others i'm buggies, and some in car
riages, while thu greatest number
came for straw ride On large four
horse wagon, furnished by Warren
Hollenbaugh, a farmer about three
miles out OF town, who il member Of
the church. The surprise was indeed
a complete one. Mr.. Gonso had not
the faintest idea as to what was going
on. On the same date of the surprise
he was called to officiate at wedding
at Warfieldsburg. After the ceremony
he called at the homes of some of his
friends, who lived near the village.
Mrs Gonso, who accompanied her
husband knew OF the surprise, and he
tried in most every way to go her
husband home before dark, but TO no
avail. at shutdown they left War
fieldsburg, arriving at Westminster
about dark, going home from West
minister they passed the crowd on
their way to the parsonage. 1t was
too dark to recognize any of them.
Mr. Gonso said to his wife, there must
be something special going on tonight
some where, thinking that there was
a festival some where in the COM
munity.
Arriving home a few minutes ahead
or the crowd, and after putting hi
team away, he began to water the
flowers i'm the yard, when the crowd
came over the hill, headed by an auto
mobile. He stopped watering flowers
and wondered where they could be
going. In moment the auto turned
in the yard and stopped, by this time
the teams were there also. He then
began to realize that there was some
thing special going on and that it was
at the parsonage. After shaking
hands and making all feel welcome,
this happy crowd was given full pos
session of the parsonage, especially
taking possession of the stove, kitchen
and dining room The large lawn
was lit up with lamps and lanterns.
The young and old both enjoyed them
selves on the large lawn, it being an
ideal evening to be out of doors. At
a late hour all were invited into the
dining room where a table was very
heavily laden with good things con-
sisting of ice cream, cakes, candies
and fruits, also a large number of
cantaloupes and watermelons, coffee
and cocoa were served a. drinks. "a
very fine donation was left i'm the pan
try of the parsonage such as flour,
meat, vegetables, and a good supply
of groceries.
For this very pleasant occasion,
and the many good things received
both pastor and wife expressed their
sincere thanks.
After many hymns were sung and
prayers offered, all left for their
homes, wishing for their pastor and
his family much success, and many
more surprises.
The Junior Endeavors OF thu
Church OF God, of Westminster, plan
ned a surprise for their pastor which
was as complete as was the surprise
of the senior members of the church.
On the Sunday afternoon of August
30th, the Juniors invited their pastor
to be present at their service at GER
tain hour Mr.. Gonso promised to be
present if possible. Arriving at the
hour appointed, he found that the ser
vices had commenced. He took a seat
in the rear of the hall and listened
with pleasure to the rest of the pro-
gram, after the program was nearly
over, Mrs. Harry Harbaugh one OF the
Junior Superintendent asked him up
front, to take the presidents chair.
Mr.. Gonso thought that he was called
up for the purpose of addressing the
Juniors, but to his surprise it was
something far different from an adj
dress. The topic for the afternoon
was pleasant memories. The superin-
tendent said that there was many
pleasant memories that the Juniors
could relate, but that it was their in
tention to try and prove by actions,
which speak louder than words, the
extent Of their appreciation for the
many pleasures an experiences OF the
past, after which signal was given
to three Of the Junior boys, who we're
seated back Of the pulpit desk, con-
cealing the surprise. They then
marched out, but not very fast, for
each was carrying a basket which
was heavily laden with all kinds of
meat, groceries, fruits and candies,
handsomely trimmed with beautiful
flowers. This was indeed a very
pleasant surprise for their pastor, the
Juniors were filled with great glee at
the completeness or the surprise. MIR.
Gonso tried to express in words the
feeling OF gratitude that was in his
heart, hut said that no words could
fully express his feelings towards all
who were contributors in that direc-
ton.
After thanking all, and wishing for
them the great reward that God alone
can give, assuring them that the Bible
declares that no act of kindness or
deed Of love can be done without the
notice OF our Heavenly Father:
And after expressing hi best wish
es for the growth OF the society, they
adjourned with the Christian Endeav-
1r Rpnndiptinn