Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1920-11-25
Apples Sesqui- Centennial
A Grand Success.
Interesting Facts Related By
Aged Citizens. Large Crowds
Attend Each Service.

Aged Citizens. Large Crowds
Attend Each Service.
The program of Apples Church Sesqui.
centennial which appeared in these col
umns few weeks ago was carried out
to the last item. except Tuesday evening
November 10th, when a severe rainstorm
interfered for which all were especially
sorry as it was Young Peoples and Mo-
ravian night.
Since the program was printed, it is
only needful to say few things about
special features.
On Wednesday evening, Nov. 18th, a
very interesting reminiscent service was
held. Addresses were made by Rev. F.
G. Fumer for the Moravian church at
Graceham, c. N. Stem for Sabllasville
H Ernest Warner for Thurmont, Eli A.
Fry and John Pttenger for Apples.
On Thursday night the Lutheran peo-
pie turned out in large numbers and with
the members and friends filled the church.
Rev. W C. Waltemyer of St. Johns
Lutheran church, Thurmont. preached an
appropriate and instructive sermon, and
the choir of that church furnished the
music. The service was greatly appre-
ciated, and all felt as in the days Of old
when Reformed and Lutherans worship
ed together in old Apples.
Friday evening was the banner even
ing in attendance thus far, the church
being crowded Rev. A. B. Stoner of
Philadelphia. preached the sermon and
spoke reminiscently. Letters were read
by the pastor from Rev. George A. Whit
more, Lancaster, Mr.. j. W. N. Gilds,
New York; Mrs. Frank Obert of Lehigh-
ton, Pa, daughter of Rev. H. l. Com
fort, and Mrs. G. {. Clever, of Haddon-
field, N. j., daughter of DR.. Geo. Augh-
enbaugh The music was by the Trinity
Reformed choir of Thurmont
On Sunday morning was held a very
unique Memorial service with an ,ver-
flowing audience. 1t was considered by
all present the greatest ard most solemn
service of it's kind ever witnessed. Among
the very special features we're an ad-
dress by Mr.. VIM. Comfort, of Freder-
lex, son of Rev. Ii. l. Comfort, and a
very impressive one by Mrs. Amelia C.
Black, of Thurmont, who was a former
member years ago. She spoke of tim 8
long ago, and tears filled the eyes Of
many as she spoke. She was ,enderly
supported by her son, Mr.. John B. Black,
of Hagerstown, being too weak to stand
alone. 1t was very impressive.
The pastor, Rev. DR.. P. E. Heimer de-
livered an interesting historical address
on Gen. 81: Remember the days of oil
and the years of many generations.
The exhibition of the pamphlet of Ger
man and English Hymns sung in 1926 at
the dedication of the present stone church
was impre ssive as the choir sang one of
the English hymns. Every part was so
solemn that one cannot say which wa
the most impressive.
The Holy communion surely was sa-
cred, but the crown of it all was the me-
mortal service on the graveyard, with an
address by Rev. A. B. Stoner. poem by
DR.. Heimer, singing by the assembly of
Nearer, My God To Thee" and a spe-
cially composed sesqui-centennial bene-
dcton by DR.. Heimer, the pastor. 1t
was indeed an impressive occasion, as the
living communed with the spirits of the
dead
After all this the audience quietly and
orderly moved to the site of the old log
church and there assisted in planting a
White Oak sesqui-centennial memorial
tree. About fifty children had hold of a
thin rope tied to the tree lying down and
pulled it up into the hole steadied by the
pastor. Then the pastor, DR.. Heimer,
shoveled the first shovel of earth on the
roots, followed by the consstory, chill
dren and many old people. All closed by
prayer and the Mizpeh benediction.
The Sunday evening service was the
closing one. Rev. E. L. Higbee of EN-
mitsburg preached a beautiful and elo-
quent sermon to an overcrowded house.
Mr.. John B. Black spoke on the choir of
long ago, and Mr.. Henry Krom made a
few remarks on the choir of the past
The church was painted inside and out
side, and makes fine appearance. The
offerings were liberal, everybody was
happy, and all in all it was service long
to be remembered and an historical exent
of no small meaning to the entire com
munity.