The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-02-06

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 All through the morning the early corners were dropping in for their first look at the completed work in the building. until by II o'clock, the hour for the service, the main audi torium was filled, the gallery like wise, and many groups were still drifting through the lobby and halls and reception rooms.
 The "Jubilate Dec" of the organ prelude was the keynote of it all The rostrum was banked with flow ers sent especially for this occasion and beautiful musical program was given.
 After the opening of the service the minister, pr. John A. MacSpor- ran, turned the service over for brief period to Judge A. c. Howze of the session of the church, and j. Frank Rushton, chairman of the board of deacons.
 Happy Occasion
 Judge Howze. identified with this church for many years said in part. "This is a happy occasion with us all. especially those who have been with us long, Everything about us is new. It is no longer the old First church. We arc new-new in all save our faith and love. From now | on 1t Is tho New flISL GHuAtiis Judge Howze then accepted on be- half of the congregation the various beautiful gifts that have been made as a part of the remodeling and re- fitting of the church.
 MT. Rushton followed Judge Howze, offering a resolution of thanks Tor the grace of Jesus Christ that en- abIed us to complete this church. :. Mir Rushton especially mentioned in his resolution the very great part \ played by the chairman of the build ing committee. Paul E. chalifoux who gave continuous personal at tention for months to the carrying on of the work.
 "worshipStsod" | Then pr. MacSporran preached his first sermon from the new pulpit Of "the new First church." His subject for his first utterance from the new pulpit was "Worship God"
 life is series of climaxes'" he said "We pass through familiar commonplace experiences, and then we suddenly discover we have been climbing. As we look forward we are thrilled with exhiliratlng anticipa- tion. In one great moment we would realize what we have been looking for so long. We ask WI we meet OUT great hour in a great wayY So we anticipate our great hour and the call 1t brings to us. Now our hour has come. This is the climax and consummation of our hopes and pray CTS and struggles.
 q have for you today a message that is inspired. I have not labored over it, 1t was given me. heard the Master of this house say, When the great day comes and you stand before the congregation as my ann i bassador, tell them these things Criticisms of Church
 "The tendencies of the times make these remarks most opportune. For one thing the air is filled with criu- cisms of the church-that we lack cordiality and informaility. If true, this is a grievous fault. Others com plain we are backward in combating socia. injustices, that we fail to back labor and capital in their welfare schemes We confess some fault 1 there. Others complain because we are doing some welfare work. They say we want the old-fashioned gos- pei; no meddling in business and poii- ties
 "I welcome such criticisms. IL shows the church is alive and a force. We believe all outworn things should be scrapped. If thing de- serves to die 1t should die. We are conscious of our fallibilities and i'm perfections Knowing them we can amend them and press on.
 | Fair Judgment | "But we have the right to insist that our critics give fair and intelli- gent judgment. Then their loudest voices fail. The church is not an employment office. a charity bureau, a social lever. The church is not a factory, but the power house of so- clety. radiator of current, of courage and unconquerable hopes to move our race onward and upward. She must hold to that If she turns aside to