The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1917-07-02
RED LETTER DAY AT
THE BAPTIST CHURCH

Sunday was red letter day at the
Baptist church. The Sunday school
reached high-water mark for mid-sum-
mer attendance. After. the lesson
period Mrs. B. D. Adams of the FL
delis class, read an inspirational paper
on visions-using as theme the Wis
ions of Isaiah, and telling of other
Bible visions. This fne<paper was
followed by a patriotic program. The
orchestra played patriotic airs, the
school sang America and Miss Clau-
dia O'Neal and Miss Mabel Atkins
gave beautiful selections in prose and
verse. Masters Harrington Hall and
Kenneth Strohman gave a patriotic
dialogue illustrating with the flag.
The offering of the day went for Y.
NJ. c. A. work on the field.
DR.. Bunyan Stephens, who has been
pastor of the church for the past five
years gave brief review of the work
of the church during that period
which marked steady, healthful, sol
id growth along all lines of endeavor.
The board of deacons by pre-ar-
Irangement, occupied the front seats
and every man was in his place. After
Dr.. Stephens made his usual announ,
cements Mr. John Edwards, chair
man of the board, asked the privilege
OF sepaking, and made superb per-
Isonal appreciation of his pastor, which
he followed by presented, in the name
of the deacons, the following resolu-
tions which were unanimously adopt
ed by rising vote of the church:
Whereas, Brother Bunyan Steph-
ems has served this church faithfully
for five years, and
Whereas, as he came to us quite
young man, and we have seen him
develop into one of the ablest Bap-
fist ministers of our state, therefore
| be it resolved:
"That we extend to Brother Steph-
ems our sincere appreciation for his
untiring and devoted service to our
church during his five years of pas
torate. We feel that the spiritual life
which he and Mrs. Stephens have liv-
ed in our community has strengthen
ed US as a denomination, and that the
spirituality of our church is stronger
than it has been. God has blessed US
wonderfully by having sent them to
work with US.
eve renew our pledge on the begin
ming of this the sixth year of work,
and promise that we will do all we
can to help our pastor in winning
souls for Christ, thereby making our
church a spiritual stronghold in this
community.
That a copy of these resolutions be
spread on our minutes, copy given
Ito Brother Stephens and copy given
the papers for publication.
By order of the church, July 1, 1917.
Jno L. Edwards,
Chmn. Board of Deacons.
Mr.. Mel Ferguson read resolutions
voicing the sentiment of the Sunday
school teachers and pupils which
showed the love of the officers and
children for their pastor. He likened
him in his teaching and personal in
fuence to the "Great Teacher" and
surely there could be no higher tri-
butte.
The resolutions of the Woman's
Missionary Society and the Y. w. A.
were an expression of appreciation OF
the sympathy and cooperation and
encouragement of the pastor in the
work of the women.
Miss Claudia O'Neal spoke for the
B. w. P. u, society composed of the
young people of the church, thanking
DR.. Stephens for his ever-ready help
and guidance, and pledging him the
continued loyalty of 'his young peo-
lple"
These expressions of affection and
appreciation all came as complete
Isurprise to the pastor, who was
greatly touched. He responded with
much feeling and prayer for deeper
loyalty to Christ in pastor and PEG,
pie.
This service was the beginning OF
the sixth year of service on the part
of DIR. Stephens for the Ocala church
The Baptists are justly proud of the
splendid record made by their pastor
not alone in his own church, but II
the town and county. There is no mar
more highly respected and esteemed
for "his works sake" than the Bap
tist pastor. He is a "man among
men" and at the same time has the
rare tenderness and sympathy of
woman The Star counts DR.. Stephens
one of the best assets of the city fol
uplift and betterment and hopes hi!
citizenship will be long among US.