New Britain herald., 1924-02-25


 champion of the United States east of the Mississippi river. Although the Bartholow Bible class Of Mount Vernon. N Y.. had 162 more men at its meeting yesterday in Proctor's s theater than New Britain. the lead of 52G in New Britain was too much for the New York class, and the local organization won the Leland cup with majority in the three months con- test of 364 The local class has had 9.95S and the Mount Vernon class s.594 since the contest started, De cember 1.
 Chairs Were placed on the stage and in the boxes in the Capitol the ater yesterday and the building was filled to its capacity. The first ser mon was delivered by Rev. A. R.. Taylor formerly of the Peoples church of this city and now of the Church of the Open Door in Greens burg. Pa 4 color guard from the American Legion was present and birthday bouquet was presented to Mayor Paonessa.
 The meeting opened at S:30 q. m. with a musical program by the Bible class orchestra of i6 pieces. The actual session began with prayer by Rev. Dr. George w. C. Hin.
 Between the various parts of the program music was furnished by inc Bible class orchestra and by olden's male chorus. A special collection amounting to s645 was taken up for Rev John L. Davis. who refuses to accept salary from the class.
 Ten Ministers On stage
 There were 10 ministers on the stage four of whom are members. They were Rev. Dr. George W. C. Hill, pastor Of the South Congrega- tiona church: Rev. John l.. Davis, Rev A. E. Taylor, Rev. E. N. Gill man, Of the Stanley Memorial church, and Rev. l. F, Walters of the A. M' F. Zion church, Rev. Dr. Charles E. Guthrie, international president of the Epworth league: Rev. pr. c. F.. Barto, superintendent of the Blakes- ice training school for women in New Haven, and Rev. Lester w. Auman of Winsted. Ensign Carl Frederick son of the Salvation army also occu- pied seat on the stage.
 Delegations were present from Bris- tol. New Haven, West Haven and the Hartford |. NJ. c. A. Other visitors were present from Forestville, Mount Vernon. Canada. Baltimore. Rockville, East Orange. N. l., Springfield and Worcester. Mass. Saratoga Springs, N. r., and Spokane, Washington.
 The meeting was of patriotic na- ture, celebrating Washington's birth day. and as the service opened, a color guard Of two soldiers and a sailor in uniform carried the Ameri- can Legion eelors onto the stage while the audience stood at attention and the orchestra played "rhe Star Spangled Banner"
 Given Key to the City
 An interesting ceremony was the presentation of the key to the city to Rev. 4. E. Taylor, by Mayor A. NJ. Paonessa. who was introduced by President Arthur II. Parker. il was a large brass key in mahogany plush lined box and bore the follow ing inscription; ''The key to the city Of New Britain.
 This key is replica Of the key to the ancient fortress of quebec, Cam !! ada, the original key having been used as a pattern.
 Reproduced by courtesy Of the Corbin Cabinet Lock Co"
 Mayor Paonessa pres. nted the key. 1
 Mir Taylor responded.
 In commencing his famous popular introduction ceremony, Rev. John l.. Davis. jolSingly referred 10 an article in Saturdays Herald. where it was stated that the minister would not be a candidate for mayor, if the mayor attended the session of the Bible class He said laughingy,
 "we are very glad 10 have the mayor with us. The reason he is here isn't the reason that he told you at all The real reason is that l told him the other day that if he would come to the Bible class today I would . not run for mayor of the city. We might just 8s we'll be truthful about these things. I said last Sunday morning that all Of the great men were born in February: Abraham Lincoln was born on the 12th: was born on the 2Uth; George Washington on the 22nd and Mayor Paonessa on the 2ith. II be- comes my great pleasure this morn- ing 10 present 10 Mayor Pa0nessa. in the name of the bible class. this bean- tiful bouquet Of carnations in honor of his birthday today" Mr. Davis removed from the Leland cup which stood on a table. a large bouquet Of red carnations which he presented to the Mayor on behalf Of the Bible class.
 Mayor Paonessa thanked the class for the flowers.
 Address By Mir. Taylor.
 The first address was by Rev. 4. E. Taylor and was one of the best he has ever preached in this city. Among other things he said:--
 T assure you, men. that this Is n great pleasure. cannot express what l feel in my heart: but you can tell br the expression on my face-if you ran get close enough fo see II. I3ut before we say what he have on our hearts this morning. feel that we must be quiet for just moment and ask Gods blessing on this sereics.
 some time ago ! received one Of your famous Bible Class News. ai- ways receive them and always enjoy reading them. I want Co say to you men that there never romes Lords Day since ! have been away from here-and it's been nine m0nths-and you meet in this city but what think 6 bout you. Time after time I have had a longing to be back with you nanir. t.,rt Il sacrns tn Iae irrlr.clssi llls--