The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1917-10-15
o,. Was CRITICALLY Accepted Yester-
day by Trustees and Members
Of First congresa-
tionai Church.
PANELS ARE BEAUTIFUL
they Represent scene at Gethsemene
at the Time When christ's Fate
full Hour Had
Come.

memorial to the late A. J.. Matthias
II the shape of beautiful window was
accented Yesterday by the First Con-
EDUCATIONAL church. Friends not only
in the church, but many who knew
Mr. Matthias in a business way, asked
tho privilege of contributing towards
the window. for indeed it was consid-
ered a privilege. There has been no
man in a church, or in any walk OF
lisa who has been so universally re-
snected and honored as was the late
r Matthias. The window which was
formally presented yesterday, is a
splendid testimonial to Mr.. Matthias.
It is set in the church opposite the
main entrance, so that it can be seen
Immediately upon entering. 1t repre-
sents a scene at Gethsemene, and Is
IN two panels. One shows the kneel-
ing Christ, the other panel depicting
the angel presenting the cup. The
scene is a night one and rich in color.
The window was selected by Miss
Lillian Matthias, a daughter. Mrs.
Matthias, who is living now in Mime
apolis was present yesterday morning
at the presentation ceremonies.
In officially accepting the window,
C. f. Mcfarland, on behalf of the trus-
tees of the church said:
1T seems fitting this morning, when
our good friend, Mrs. Matthias is with
us, to say just few words in regard
to the window which has recently been
put in the church in memory of her
husband, and our former friend and
member, Mr.. A. ]. Matthias. This win
dow has been placed here by number
of his friends in and out of the church,
as an expression Of their admiration
for him, and their appreciation of his
sterling christian character. Some OF
us here today knew Mr.. Matthias for
many years We knew his honesty
which shone like a star throughout his
whole career, his conscientious earn
estness in every duty he undertook,
his faithfulness to his friends, his love
for his family, his devotion to his
church, and his loyalty to his God. He
was for years deacon and one Of the
trustees Of the church, as well as it's
treasurer. He taught in its Sunday
scchoOl and was constant attendant
at prayer meetings and services. He
was faithful in things small and great. |
and impressed himself upon the life of
this church in no ordinary degree. |
This memorial is especially fitting be-
cause he was member of the building
committee which erected this building, /
It's treasurer, and was most active and
interested in this particular work, CIV
ing largely Of his time and ability to
It's completion. Such life makes the |
world better. 1t Is something which |
We can look back upon as a guide and |
inspiration when the problems of life |
come upon u.s. Such a memorial as |
This window is not needed to keep his |
memory fresh and strong in the minds
and hearts Of us his old friends, but SO |
that in future years, when we are
gone, the people who sit in these pews
and gaze on these windows may know
mat A. J. Matthias was part of the
spiritual life of this church, and that |
MS friends delighted to honor his /
by placing here this beautiful
memorial window bearing his name.
On behalf Of the trustees and mem
oers of this church l wish to thank the
aonors of this memorial for their
beautiful gift, and to express to Mrs.
Matthias and the family our gladness
mat all through the coming days our
eyes may see there the name Of him
whom We love in memory as they do,
and whose record of faithful service
. one of the most precious legacies
of this church,"