Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-08
Surprise Party
For Beloved Pastor
OF Bethany Church

OH BeChany Cnurcn
Rev. George Merriam, pastor of the
Bethany Baptist church, who passed
his SEVENTEEN birthday last week,
was the guest of honor at q prize
party held Monday evening at the
home of Mrs. Ina w. Creation. The
party was held under the direction of
Mr.. and Mrs. Lena Thomas and Mrs.
Ethel Ames.
DR.. Merriam was born in China on
November 80, 1856. He was graduated
from Colby College in 1879 with the
degree of A. B., and received his A.
M. degree in 1882. He this last COM
mencement received the degree of
doctor Of divinity. He was gradual!
ed from Newton Theological Insti-
tute In 1882 and was ordained in 1888.
He and Mrs. Memmiam went to Kan
sas and his first pastorates were in
that state at Abilene 1882 to 1885;
and in Solomon City for three years,
and Usage City, for four years, after
which they returned to Maine and for
IL years DR.. Merriam was pastor OF
the Baptist church in Freeport. He
came to the Bethany Baptist church
from Freeport, where he is giving his
twenty-third year of service.
DR.. Merriam is prominent in the
activities of the United Baptist con-
yention being nmany important
committees. He is one of the trus-
tees of Coburn Classical Institute. DR.
Merriam is especially helpful to and
interested in the young peoples
work, always attending the c. E.
meetings. He is also serving the
Federated church at Hinckley
preaching there each Sunday after
noon. He Is well known and beloved
by a large circle of friends in
this community where he has Iabored
so long and faithfully and many of
whom will be happy to know of the
observance of his birthday given the
church which he serves. on Monday
evening at the parsonage.
AS the company went from the
Creation home to the parsonage they
each took a camp chair, stationed
| across the street from the parsonage
and loaned by Arlie j. Pooler, one of
the parishioners, and thus the seating
capacity for the party was taken
car eof in very easy manner and no
re-arraning the parsonage gave any
linking of party. Deacon Llewlynn
Goodwin who Is near neighbor of
the Merriams called early in the
evening at the parsonage to keep DR..
Merriam at home. The affair was so
quietly arranged that D. Merriam
was taken absolutely by surprise
who with Mrs. Merriam most cordial
ly received the guests which number
ed over fifty. The evening was pass
ed socially and with music, directed
by Fred c. Nye, who had number of
hymn books and old song books TAX
en- to the parsonage The assembly
sang Praise Him, Praise Him;
Brighton the Corner Where You Are
Jungle Bells. Marching Through
Georgia, The Church in the Wild
wood, Sunshine in My Soul. Old Black
Joe, Massa In the Cold Ground. My
Old Kentucky Home. and several
other well known old favorites DR.
Maurice E. Lord and Mr.. Nye sang
several duets and a mems chorus
sang several old songs Mrs. Ethel
w. Ames presided at the piano. Mrs.
Grace Coburn Smith, who had been
most Interested in having the party
and who was to have made the pres
entation was unable to be present as
she was leaving for Washington, d.
c., on the early train Tuesday morn
ing and Mrs. Everett T. Goodrich
graciously extended the church's ap-
probation Of Dr. Merriam's long per-
iod of service at Bethany church
mentioning his patience with lis
church folk and the Pensioners best
wishes for future years and present.
ed a box which when opened by DIR.
Merriam was found to contain seven
ty new one dollar bills gift from
the Bethany parish. DR.. Merriam
was deeply affected by this kindness
on the part of his friends in the
church but relieved the situation by
telling a numerous story and express
sed his appreciation of this another
delightful surprise given by Bethany
church. He said that for week he
had been receiving membranes
from his children and grandchildren
in honor of his three-Quarters CEN
fury birthday and that day a book
had been received which he had plan
ned to read that evening and that
the party and gift from the church
was the climax. He extended best
wishes to all the church people and
asked that "Blest Be the Tie" might
be sung, explaining that that hymn
was written to commemorate the re-
lationship between a pastor and his
people, and with Mrs. Ames at the
piano the hymn was heartily sung.
Members Of the parish gave delicious
harlequin ice cream an crackers
which were served by several ladies.
Much credit is due Mrs. Maurice f.
Lord. who accompanied by Mrs.
Thomas passed Monday by taking her
machine and calling on a very large
number Of the church people inviting
them to the party, which will be a
happy memory not only to DIR. and
Mrs Merriam but to all who in any
- .Aor4ioinaf tod in the affair.