The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1914-08-28
l5Oth ANNIVERSARY
OF METHODISM In AMERICA CELE-
BRATED AT BETHEL M. E. CHURCH
AIT SANS CREEK.

The one hundred and fiftieth ami
versary of Methodism in America was
celebrated at Bethel Methodist Epis-
copal church, Sans Creek, last Sun
day, August %.
on the New Windsor circuit OF which
Rev j. T. Marsh is pastor.
Nothing was omitted in the prepa
ration that was necessary to insure
a day of rare privilege for the people.
Neither was an opportunity lost to
inspire enthusiasm in the people Of
the community. A. the day drew
near it was declared that the only
thing needful for a great day in
Zion," was good weather. The day
being ushered in, as it was, with
clear skies, and cooling breezes COM
pleted the programme. Reasonably
early the people began 70 gather IN
til about five hundred had assembled.
A part OF the programme being an
out door address, the automobiles
were arranged in front Of the church
there were forty of them) SO that
the people might sit in them and hear
the address, while others sat on
A benches, and many standing.
Rev John Franklin Goucher, d. d.,
founder Of Goucher College, preached
at Ill a. 1.-The sermon being one Of
unusual beauty and sweetness. The
large audience listened with the in
tentest interest, their faces wearing
an expression of real satisfaction.
The text being Give US this day our
daily bread"
N The speaker passed out to the
hungry listeners the real bread that
cometh down from heaven" No one
who came to be fed went away hun
CRY.
/ At about 13O Dr. Stiner, Phi. D.,
Chief Librarian at Pratt Library, Bal
timore, gave the out door address,
standing on an improvised platform,
just outside the church door.
The subject was the Friendship OF
Books" The speaker being familiar
with books and himself fellowship
ping with them and knowing the value
of such friendship was thoroughly
competent to deal with the subject.
For nearly half an hour his audience
was highly edited, as well al instruct
ed and entertained.
At 230 D. M. the people again filled
the church to be fed" once more up
on a cordial truth delivered in nc
uncertain sound.
j Rev. T. H. Lewis, d. D., president
Of Western Maryland College, deliv-
cred the sermon. The subject was
III "The Witness or the Spirit" With
his usual clearness and forcefulness
he gave forth sentence after SEN
Itence of fundamental principles, deal
ing in those things which are an es-
sential part of experimental religion
until one thanked God that the
preaching of the Fathers" yet re-
mains. Had the matter been submit
ted to those gathered a unanimous
vote to come again" would have been
given these brethren.
I Let them be assured that such an
invitation shall be theirs.
No small share of the pleasure OF
the occasion was due 10 the sacred
concert" given by the Oak Orchard
ECornet band, who gratuitOusly came
to cheer the saints" with such mu-
sic as they are capable OF rendering
! Miss Francis Compton, of Baltimore
sang two solos, one during the morn
ing, the other in the afternoon.
She was was accompanied by Miss
Margaret Stem.
One OF the noticeable features OF
the occasion was the "old time picnic
style manifest in the method Of din
ing.
Some sat in their vehicles and ate
others spread the meal out on the
grass while they sat around and ate;
while yet others betook themselves
to benches, and in one or two in
stances for the convenience OF the
chosen ones special guests a table was
furnished.
A more good natured, congenial, and
as well, happy company has not peen
together for a while. Everybody is
speaking of the grand day at old
Bethel and already there are express
sions Of hope that such an occasion
shall be again. God being willing II
shall be!
1t was a pleasure to the Bethel peo-
pie to have present and participate in
the services. Rev. DR.. Frazer, of the
Presbyterian Church, New Windsor
Rev. DR.. Nourse, of Virginia, and Rev,
~ T, " -