The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1919-06-12
A GOOD MEETING

OdLuI0ay anu Ounudy Oh 1dSb week
the Baptist hosts of the western di-
vision of the Marion association met
in session with the Woman's Mission
ary Union at Oklawaha Bridge
church. Saturday there was a pro-
gram covering the several depart
ments Of woman's work, conducted by
Mrs. t. N. Strange, superintendent
of the association. The attendance
was good and the discussions practic-
al and profitable. Reports from the
various churches in this part Of the
association showed interest and pro-
gress in all branches of denomination
al work. At the noon hour q typical
Florida luncheon Of hot fried fish,
cabbage palmetto, coffee, corn dodgers
and fruit was served.
Sunday was the great day of the
feast The weather was perfect and
early in the morning the road was
alive with people from all directions,
and from a distance of 25 miles, go
ing to worship with the Oklawaha
people who have the distinction Of
being the most hospitable and cor
dial of all our country communities.
The services of the day were OPEN
ed by a solemn and beautiful bap-
tismal scene. The hmpid waters of
the lake reflected the glory Of the
sun and the overhanggfng branches
OF the grand old moss-draped oaks
made a softened shade. The vast
concourse of people stood in q sacred
hush about the waters edge. while
the pastor, Rev. r. Strickland. read
from Gods work his divine authority
for administering the holy rite. Three
persons were then "buried with Christ
in baptism" a mother and son and a
young rnatron who has but recently
entered upon the building of home
life. There was a "bit Of heaven
there, and every one felt the sacred
touch.
Next came service of song by
the choirs of Oak-Griner Farm and
Cklawaha churches. We have rarely
heard better chorus music. The choir
was made up entirely Of young, fresh
voices, and they sang In ~time and
tune" The parts were well balanced,
there being about an equal number of
young men and women, with the or
ganists, Miss Gladys Stanaland and
Miss Agnes Crago. leading. The
names of these fine young people are
as follows: Lannis Perkins, Jasper
Wilson, Amos Pruett, John Etty, FL
mer Griggs. Leland Luffman, Jennie
Griggs, Oda Luffman, Louise MUIR
ply, Lois Pruett, Agnes Crago. Ruth
StriclIland, Gladys Stanaland, AIeyne
Rogers, Alma Hicks, Flossie Man
ming, Jean Manning, Robert Rogers.
| At IL o'clock Pastor Strickland
preached a strong, forceful sermon
from the text "And ], if be lifted up,
viii draw all men unto me-" Mr.
Strickland is not only good preach
er but also q great leader OF his peo-
pie. He has their best interests al
heart, and is in close and sympathetic
touch with their every need The
Igood work along musical lines done
by the choirs Of his churches is the
result Of his having during the pas'
winter employed a teacher of singing
for his young folks and there il
scarcely an evening during the weeI
that the Oak-Griner Farm church
near which he lives. has not some
kind of uplifting service for the com.
Imunity. We wish this same worI
Icould be put on in every countr,
church in our state. The result woulC
be a reconstruction of country If.
and there would cease 20 be a rusl
for the small towns and cities that. il
fast depopulating our rural centers.
i OF the hospitality of the Oklawahs
people and the beautiful and deliciou
dinner spread. it is impossible to sa,
too much. It was an expression o
the great hearts Of the entire neigh
borhood and every one felt the wei
come and good cheer 50 extended
The housewives already known IA
i and wide for the excellence Of thei
/ culinary skill, added fresh laurels t
: their fame.
u In the afternoon the pastor gener
; ously gave the meeting over to a fun
: lther discussion Of the work Of the "
/. NJ. u. In the absence OF Mrs