The Caledonian-record. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1920-current, 1922-09-06

In the summer of 1895 our
church edifice was burned. Its tow
ering steeple, a notable one for
symmetry and beauty, caught fire
from sparks from a burning barn
near by. No n could reach the
point to put out the b.aze and it
was only a short time before the
whole building was in ashes.
The insurance was small but the
courage of the people was unfail-
ing. Under the leadership of our
pastor, Rev. Stephen Knowlton,
steps were Immediately taken to-
ward rebuilding.
1t was my privilege to serve on
the committee for raising funds
Band l will never forget the thrill
when Archibald Gilis, another
member of that committee, gave
the first subscription for a very
generous sum.
Marshall J. Morrill, of Brooklyn,
N. Y, who with Mrs. Morrill, spent
their summers III Danville, was en-
gagged as architect. He made no
charge of his services and gave
generously of time and money.
We worshiped in the Town Hall
during the period Of construction
and then on this day 25 years ago
this building was dedicated to the
service of God. 1t is interesting to
recall the exercises of that day
we're opened with an organ volun-
tary rendered by Mrs. F. J. Pres
ton for so many years u faithful
devoted organist followed by an
anthem by the chorus choir. The
prayer of invocation was offered by
Rev. F. A. Palmer, pastor of the
Free Baptist Church of North
Danville. Rev. 7. w. Darling, a
former pastor, led the responsive
readings. Prayer was offered by
Rev. P. B. Fiske and the hymn 90
Where Are Kings and Empires
Now" was announced by Rev. F.
F. Lewis. pastor of the Methodist
church. The sermon was preached
by Rev. A. H. Heath d. d. of the
North Church, st. Jo%hnsbury, who
took for his text "For | determined
not to know anything among you,
save Jesus Christ and Him cruel
fed. Miss Harriet Whittier of
Boston sang with Verdure Clad"
from the Creation. Letters from
former pastors unable to be pres
ent, Rev. Z. L. Morse and. Rev.
John Dudley, were read and a his
tory of the church was given by
Dea. Charles Morrill,, Dea. ]. F.
Emerson as chairman of the eXecu-
tive committee received the KEYS
from the building committee. The
pastor led in the service of dedica-
ton and the prayer of dedication
was offered by Rev. G. P. Byington
of East Hardwick.
Before the offertory Rev. c. H.
Merrill of ST. J%ohnsburv spoke of
the claims which the old churches
had upon those to whom they had
given 50 much of their strength
and so many of their members and
of the hopeful outlook evidenced
by the ample accommodations of
the new building.
Mrs. Cora Kempton Mcmillan
sang "Oh, Jesus Thou Art tSand-
ing" while the offering was being
taken and the closing hymn was
announced by Rev. G. w. Paterson
Of East st. JohnsbuIy and the
benediction was pronounced by
Rev. T. w. Darling.
This dedication day was an eevnt
full n in the history of this
church and the sacrifices and zeal
of the older members was soon re-
warded by the addition of many
new members.
Before the burning of the church
building, Nj. knowlton on account
of his advancing years was consid-
ering his resignation but after that
disaster he said he would not leave
us until we were again we'll eStab-
liShed in d house Of Worship.
His service among US was a most
happy one and it was noted for his
scholarly, logical and cvangelistic
sermons. Soon after coming among
us he organized the Young Peoples
Society of Christian EndeaVor and
under his guidance it became one
Of the leading societies in the coun-
ty.
In October, 1901, Mr.. Knowlton
rendered his resignation and Rev.
George H. Cummings of Amherst,
Mass, was called to the ~pastorate
M. and Mrs. Cummings were cx-
perts in the organized activities of
the church and the vears of his
p2Storate were busy ones, for the
church, the Sunday school, the En-
dcavor Society, the Ladies Aid and
the WomCn's Missionary Societies.
| recall one of the slogans often
reiterated by Mr.. Cummings in
connection with our giving to the
local church and to it's Missionary
Budget. every member a con
trbuting member" He would often
say, 81 am not concerned with the
amount each one should give but
| am concerned that each one
should have a share" This was wise
leading and resulted in an increase
of both gifts and interest. The edu-
cation of his children made it nee
essary that he leave US after six
years of service and Rev. John f.
Snyder came to US from Bangor,
Maine.
Mr.. Snyder was a trained and
skilled worker among boys and the
work of the church went forward
with a special appeal to the young
er men which will be reflected
through many years to come. Dur
ing his pastorate, The Brotherhood
an organization Of the men of the
church was formed. 1t became a
pleasant factor in the social life of
the church and a real source Of