Middletown transcript., 1916-06-10
2O8TH ANNIVERSARY
Large Gathering at Old Drawers
Presbyterian Church
MR. HANDY MADE ADDRESS

In spite of the heavy rainfall on Sat-
urday evening, the grounds at Old
Drawers, Church were never in better
order than on Sunday, when the 2O8th
annued reunion of the old church was
held. An immense crowd was present,
including many who came to pay tribute
to the mother church and many who
came to greet old friends.
The services were in charge of the
Rev. E. A. McLaury, of Odessa Presby-
terian Church, assisted by the Rev. F.
H. Moore, of Middletown, and Rev. J.
M. L. Eckark, of Smyrna. The music
was in charge of the Odessa chorus
choir, assisted by Miss Marion Janvier
and Mrs. Warden R. Humphreys, of
Claymont, with Mrs. R. S. Redgrave
at the organ, and John w. Watkins
with cornet.
Tie Rev. Leighton Wilson Eckard, D.
D., of Philadelphia, preached in the
morning from the second chapter of
Zachariah, 5th verse, 81 will be the
glory in the midst of her, and delivered
remarkable discourse. This was DR..
Eckard's first visit to the old church,
and he told of his appreciation of the
zeal and courage of the early worship
pers who originated Old Drawers
congregation.
At the afternoon service, the Hon.
Levin Irving Handy, of Smyrna, made
the address. He told of an incident
which occurred thirty-seven years ago,
when judge Levin Irving, of Maryland,
instructed him to copy will in which
three different ministers were left ''ive
thousand pounds of pork, by the
testator One of these ministers was
the Rev. John Wilson, who Mr.. Handy
has reason to believe, was the first pas
tor of Old Drawers Church in 1708. Mr..
Handy said he often tells Bible stories
in his addresses because they are new
to most of his hearers, while the news
paper story in an everyday affair. His
delightful talk was followed by piano
solo by Mrs. Humphrey, and benediction
by the Rev McLaury.
Some of those present from distance
were: Chief Justice and Mrs. Peune-
we'll, of Dover; Mr.. and Mrs. Frank
Harrar, Mr.. and Mrs. John H. Peach,
Miss Lille Jackson, Miss Lucy Jackson,
Mr.. and Mrs. Alfred S. Elliott, Mrs.
Bessie Mills Moore, Miss Bowman,
Christopher Vandegritt, the Misses
Vandegrift, Josiah Marvel, Mrs. War
ner, Mrs. Warden Humphrey, Miss
Janvier, from Wilmington,
Mr.. and Mrs. McIntire, Mr.. and Mrs.
Janvier, Mayor Rodney, Mr.. and Mrs.
John o. Lambson, of New Castle.
Mr.. and Mrs. Robert D. Hoffecker
and Mrs. John A. Hoffecker, Mrs.
Mr.. James o. Hoffecker, Miss Hough,
James W. Roberts, Miss Spruance, Mrs.
johnson, the Rev. J. M. Eckard, Mr..
and Mrs Reynolds, Mr.. and Mrs. Eu-
gene Davis, Mrs. Reed, Mrs. Cook, Mrs.
Diehl, of Smyrna
Mr.. and Mrs. j. r. Brown, of Can
ton, Pa.
At the noon intermission meeting of
the Friends of Drawers was held, when
the same officers and trustees were re-
elected for the coming year. The friends
expect to become incorporated, with an
office in Odessa.
The collection, which was liberal, will
be used to keep the grounds in order.
The officers of the society are: Presi-
dent, Daniel W. Corbit, of Odessasyice-
president, Thos. ]. Craven, of Salens N.
j.; secretary, Miss S. Cornelia Bowman,
of Wilmington; treasurer, George jan
vier, of Middletown.
The trustees of the church are:
Thomas J. Craven, of Salem; William
G. Janvier, of st. Georges; Clarence E.
Pool and l. Janvier Woods, of Nc
Donough; Howard A. Pool, of Middle
town; Misses Frances Garret, Miss Bar
bara Vandegrift, Alfred S. Elliott and
Mrs. Bessie Mills Moore, of Wilmington.