The Yale expositor. (Yale, St. Clair County, Mich.) 1894-current, 1914-06-25
Bethel NJ. P. Church Dedication


Although the weather was somewhat
against the people of Bethel cOmmun-
| ity yet In spite OF the fact the Dedlca
torial services were well attended The
people were very late to the am. ser
vice, and it was not deemed wise to go
ahead with the Dedication, but instead
have an informal service The Rev. e..
n. Gillette of Lapeer preached "a short
sermon, Subject ideals" His princi-
pal thought was the ideals of the
Great Master. After this sermon all
were invited to the basement of the
church where the ladies prepared a
splendid dinner which was free to all.
After dinner the service began prompt
ly at two O'Clock. A larger congrega-
ton was present in fact every pew was
crowded
The dedicatorial sermon was preach
ed by Rev. G. n. Gillett He said that
many would say in years to come that
so and SO was so many years old be-
cause>they were born just before the
church was dedicated. And that John
and Mary had been married so many
years because they were married just
before or just after the dedication Of
the church. His text was taken from
4
ing the pillar and the ground work of
church. He said that many used the
church for pillow instead of being a
pillar in the church. Rev. Gillett is a
very able speaker and many remarked
thai it was the best sermon that they
had ever heard.
After the discourse John Brough
read the report of the building COM
mittee. He stated how sad they were
the morning after June 30, 1913, when
they arrived on the scene and there be-
held what was once their beautiful
church in ashes before them. All that
was saved was the organ, pews, pulpit
and carpet. When the pastor Rev. Ellis
arrived from Capac, after word of
prayer they held short business meet
ing and agreed to rebuild. They re-
ceived an insurance of $500. With
this amount they began TO rebuild The
result Of which Is that they now
have beautiful little country church
at cost of $500 and an Indebtedness
to be raised of $500 before the dedica.
ton. Rey. Ellis then called Oh secre.
tary and treasurer, Mrs Curry and Hill
ler The condition OF the subscriptions
were read. Rev Ellis took charge of
raising the funds and the people re-
sponded very literally, the amount was
raised and 500 in addition towards
sheds to be built in the near future.
The dedicatorial services were in
charge of Brother Hitler and Rev. Ellis
assisted by Rev. Gillett OF Lapeer Rev,
Oliver of Riley Center and Rev. Chas
Bragg of \ ale.
a supper was given in the basement
to all who could stay. In the evening
the church was well filled with young
people. Rev, Bragg gave the address
dis subject was ~ antics Under the
SUM-" proving that all things out of
Divine order is vanity and vexation of
spirit. Admonishlng all TO seek God
and make this day longt to be remem
bered because of their acceptance of
Him and His salvation. An appeal
was made for those present TO decide
for Christ and as a result two made
the decision. Thus the first days ser
vice in the new church was one OF
truitage both in financial and Spiritual
ways; and angels are caused TO rejoice
in heaven because wanderers were re-
turning Home.
A choir OF twelve voices conducted
by Rev. Bragg added much to the life
OF the occasion; also male quartette
from the Capac NJ. Il. church rendered
several very beautiful selections which
were appreciated by all present. The
people OF the community are TO be
commended tor their zeal Tor the cause
of God, for the church is certainly beau
tifui and shows great taste on their
part.