The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1915-04-08

fourth of the amount. 1t was at this
time that the present chapel, with its
admirable arrangements for Bible
classes and social gatherings, was
built. The remodeled church was dedi-
Gated Dee. Is, 1889. 1t was during the
pastorate of Rev. Mr.. Parry, on Feb.
10, 1890, that the young people were
first organized as a Christian Endeavor
society.
Rev. L. D. Temple was pastor from
Sept. /, 1895, to Oct. /. 1895. In his
letter of resignation Mr.. Temple said,
The three years of my ministry here
have not been fruitless, but they con
stitute a period of loss and sorrow. Sci
dom is any church so afflicted in so
short time.
On the last SUNDAY in November,
1895, unanimous vote was taken to
extend call to Rev. f. f. Marble.
Phi D. Mr.. Marble began his pastorate
Dee. 4, 1898, and very soon proved
to be q consummate leader. That the
church joined heartily in his plans and
purposes is indicated by some of the
accomplishments of that period. The
free pew system was adopted Feb. 6,
1899, and during the same year the
hymnal now in use was selected, books
making the privileges of public wor-
ship free TO all. Deacons were again
elected after an interval of some years
without such officers. In July, 1889,
the church was incorporated, and the
First Baptist society was disbanded,
thus bringing the church government
under the control of one organization.
The sum of 5000 was pledged to be
| paid during a period of two years to
wipe out an indebtedness which had
been accommodating. Early in 1902,
union evangelical services. under the
| leadership of Rev. Edgar E. Davidson
of Somerville, Mass, were held for
month. At a special communion ser
vice on Easter Sunday IS persons re-
ceived the hand of fellowship. The
net increase in membership for the
year was SIS. Dr. Marble closed his
labors in September, 1902.
Memorial Organ Given.
The church was fortunate in securing
| Rev. George B. Lawson, now principal
of Vermont academy, who began his
ministry Oct "a, 1902 1.-THE con
spicuous event of this passionate was
the installation OF the beautiful pipe
organ and the consequent changes in
|
more suitable monument to the noble
! Christian life OF General julius j. Es-
| tey, who died March Z, 1902, could
have been presented to the church by
his two sons - The six years of Rev.
Mr.. Lawson s pastorate, which ended
Oct. %, 1908, were very happy period
in the church life, and his departure
was loss TO the entire community.
/ Jah I
labors the same week, being at the
covenant meeting Oct. 80. During his
pastorate of four and one-half years.
ending April /, 1913, he emphasized
the dignity and sacr6dness of the reg
/ ular appointed services of the Lord s
house and preached the gospel of
Christ with earnestness and fervor. In
times of sickness and sorrow, he was
ever ready with his kind ministrations
and sympathetic interest.
s'Our present pastor, Rev George
r. .Tomkinson, became our leader Sept
), 1913, since which time there has
been marked increase in the attend
ance at all services. The vigorous
manner in which the church work is
being prosecuted, the substantial gain
in membership and the large number OF
young people from the Bible schoo
who have confessed Christ in baptism
are common knowledge.
EvangeIistic Church.
In closing, Mr.. Knight spoke of th'
: fact that the church has always beer
evangeGstic, born in revival; that i
has always continued a strong body o.
earnest, faithful laymen, maintaining
a vital interest in the larger activitie
of the denomination, among those wht
have been actively identified with or
, gained missionary work being Mrs
! Julia Vinton and family in Rangoon
Burmah., the late Gen. j. J. Estev
! Mrs Estey, DR.. Henry d. Holton an,
Henry Bond Rev. Guy G. Lamson
D. D., of Philadelphia, who was bap
tised and ordained in this church, i
missionary secretary Of the America
! Baptist Publication society The earn
est work and opportune assistance o
/