I KIT 1 W VOL 28 One Hundred Years Old.' ST. PAUL'S CHURCH ROUNDS OUT ITS FIRST CENTURY. The Archdeaconry of Williamsport. LARGE ATTENDANCE AND IMPRESSIVE SERVICES. On Sunday, May 28th, 1793, St. Paul's church of Bloomsburg, then Fishingcreck, was admitted into union with the convention of Pennsylvania, and was represented by a lay delegate Since that time it has been an organ ized parish. It was fitting therefore, that at the time of the celebration of its hundredth anniversary, the Arch deaconry of Williamsport, embracing twelve counties of the state, should be invited to come here and partici pate in the jubilee. The invitation was accepted, and accordingly the sessions of the Archdeaconry began on Monday evening with full evening service. The procession started from the Parish House headed by the vest ed choir of twenty men and boys, with fifteen clergymen in vestments, follow ed, by Archdeacon Graff, and lit. Rev. N. S. Rulison, Assistant Bishop ol Central Pennsylvania. The Bishop, Archdeacon, and Rev. C. J. Wood occupied the sanctuary, the other clergy sitting in the front pews in the tody of the church. A song service followed, with a very able and interest ing sermon by Rev. C. J. Wood of Lock Haven. The visiting clergymen are Rev. T. H. Cullen, and Rev. Dr. Zahner; Rev. W. H. Graff, Rev. G. C. Foley, Williamsport ; Rev. Dr. H. L. Jones, Wilkesbarre ; Rev. Dr. Clerc, Phillips burg ; Rev. Chas. Morrison, Sunbury ; Rev. A. W. Snyder, Wellsboro ; Rev. Win. Heakes, Muncy j Rev. John Graham, Shamokin , Rev. C. E Fes senden, Brookland j Rev. C. T. Coerr, Rev. L. B. Thomas, Antrim ; Rev. C. J. Wood, Lock Haven j Rev. Geo. Warnock, Montoursville ; Rev. John Rockwell, Sugarloaf ; Rev. W. R. Mul ford, Danville; Rev. J. F. Powers, Archdeacon of Reading Archdeaconry: Rev. T. B. Angell, Archdeacon of Harrisburg Archdeaconry ; Rev. L. F. Baker, Harrisburg j Rev. Mr. Pratt, Lancaster ; Rev. Mr. Eastment, Troy. Of the former rectors, there were but two present, Rev. T. II. Cullen of Freehold, N. J., and Rev. Dr. L. Zahner of Adams, Mass. Rev. Mr. Russell lives in the west, too far away to come here j Re'. A. A. Marple was prevented by other important engage ments, and no word was received from .Rev. Dr. Tullidge. He was written to three times. Rev. John Hewitt ex pected to be present, but a letter re ceived a few days ago states that scar let fever has broken out in the Boys Military School at Lincoln, Nebraska, of which he is rector, and he deemed it inadvisable to leave home. Rev. Mr. Parker had accepted the invita tion to be present, and expected to come with his wife, who was formerly Miss Clara Barton, but the sudden death of the latter a few weeks ago prevented him. Rev. Dr. F. W. Bart lett of Williamstown, Mass , who act ed as an assistant to . the rector in 1873, was obliged to send . his regrets or. account of his own engagements, and Rev. Geo. F. Breed who conduct ed the services here one summer, was not heard from. At 9 o'clock on Tuesday morning a business meeting was held in the Parish House, at which the Bishop presided. The business was of a rout ine character, pertaining to the mis sionary work of the. Archdeaconry. , At 10 o'clock morning service was held in the church, and an eloquent and powerful sermon preached by Rev. Dr. H. L. Jones, rector of St. Steph en's church, Wilkesbarre. An interesting meeting was held in the Parish House at three o'clock in the afternoon, when very able papers were read by the Rev. Messrs. Snyder and Heakes. The church was crowded at the evening service, when the rite of con firmation was administered by the Bishop. Among the candidates were seven members of the choir, who knelt together at the altar rail, clad in their churchly vestments, and received the Apostolic nte of the laying on of hands. It was an impressive sight. They were O. W. Ent. John B. Fox, David Tasker, Elijah Shutt, Frank Phillips, Charles Wilson, and Morti mer Butler. Every member of the vested choir is now a communicant, except two who are yet too young for confirmation. There were eighteen other candidates presented to the Bishop by the Rector, making a total class ot twenty five. During the of fertory, Mrs. Ella For Gilbert sang a beautiful solo, accompanied on the organ by Miss Maude Kunyon. Be sides the Bishop's address, there were ST. missionary addresses by Arcddeacon Graff, and Revs. Foley and Snyder. Alter the service an informal recep tion was held in the Parish House. CENTENNIAL DAY. The prominent feature of the week was the service on Wednesday morn ing. The choir and clergy and Bishop formed an imposing procession as they entered the chancel from the Parish House. The Te Dcum, Nicene Creed and Gloria iu Excelsis were Tours in F. The Holy Communion was ad ministered, and the sermon was preach ed by Rev. Thomas H. Cullen. It was an able effort; and the tones of his voice in the church once more aroused many pleasant recollections in the minds of many of the congrega tion. Just before the sermon the follow ing historical sketch was read by the Rector, Rev. W. C. Leverett. HISTORICAL SKETCH. Services of the church were held in this vicinity more than a hundred years ago. This very parish was organized, probably, as early as the year 1790, and was known as St. Paul's, Fishing Creek. Onthetith of Sept. 1795, Mr. Joseph Long, for the considera tion of five shillings, agreed to convey to the parish the acre of land which is now occupied by the church property, and in the agreement for the same it is described as "the ground on which the church now stands," so that in 1795 and before that time an Episco pal Church building stood in the. en closure where the present one is erect ed. In 1703 Mr. Elisha Barton was the deputy from this parish the ninth Diocesan Convention as "from St. Paul's Church, Fishing Creek town ship." In that convention held in Christ Church, Philadelphia, on May 28th, I793ithe parish was admitted into union with the Convention of the Diocese of Pennsylvania. To-dav. therefore, we commemor ate the one hundredth anniversary of this fact ; the admission of St. Paul's Parish into union with the Convention being positive evidence of its exis tence as a recognized body in May, 7?3- . It is one of the oldest parishes in the Diocese of Central Penna St. James', Lancaster, St. John's, York, and St. Gabriel's, Douglassville, were admitted into union with the Conven tion of Pennsylvania, in 1785, and St. Paul's, Bloomsburg, comes next ta them in the order of time. The Rev. Caleb Hopkins wa3 the first Rector of this parish. He also had charge of St Gabriel's, Sugarloaf, and Christ Church, Derry. The last named, which in 1793 was Christ Church, Derry township, and which in later years became Christ Chuich, Jerseytown. can be followed to about the year 1844, but since then it has ceased to be. In the other places where the Rev. Mr. Hopkins officia ted, viz: Milton and Muncy, Church buildings and congregations of the faithful exist to-day, and St. James Church, Exchange, in charge of the Rector of Muncy, is now the nearest to the site of the old Derry Church. St. Gabriel's, Sugarloaf. is known to many of you. The old building was burned not very many years ago when, under wise direction, the present chapel sprang up speedily from the ashes. You have seen that little church among the trees, of which one of our own poets has sung: "Fling to the air the echoing culme . Ot thy sweet bell, at morning prime, While o'er the mountain's steepy height The rising gun pours glowing light 1 BLOOMS1WHG, PA., FRIDAY, JUNE 2. 1S93. PAULS CHURCH, BLOOMSBURG, And when the evening shadows fall Among the pines and hemlocks tall Then to the silent hamlet tell The message ot su Urabrlel." A pencilled memorandum on a fly leaf of the oldest existing record ot St. Paul's Church says: "Mr. Hop kins was here in 1794 or 1795, then left and was recalled in 1806." He seems to have remained in charge un til 1818. It is recorded of him that he was a man of vigorous intellect and ofstalvart frame. He had been a lieutenant in the patriot army of the Revolution. Descendants of this dis tinguished man are now connected with this parish, and one of them is a member of our present choir. I am indebted to our venerable townsman, Mr. John K. Grotz, and to our late lamented Warden, Mr. B. F. Hartman, who died at a very advanced age, for reminiscences of the earlier days. A statement in one of our church papers, some years ago, also furnish es interesting items. The first Church building was of logs and its internal arrangements were very plain. There was no vestry room, nor were there any stoves to heat the building. The plan for heating is reported to have been a large square hole in the floor in front of the chancel, opening down to the ground, and a fire of logs made early and burned to living coals, kept the room warm during service 5 and it is also said there was no chimney to lead off the smoke from the glowing and crackling fire. To this log church the people used to come on horseback from all parts of the surrounding coun tiy ; those living on the other side of the Susquehanna would gather together at the river's bank and all come over in a flat-boat, leaving their horses un til their return ; men and women coming to the church in the plainest garments wnich had been woven and made by. themselves. In 1827, the log church gave place to a frame structure which remained for about ten years. In 1837, a brick church was erected on the spot where the Rectory now stands. And in that was placed in the following year the first church bell ever heard in the town. The bell is of much less weight than the smallest in our present peal, but of sweet sound ; a bell with so many sa cred and endearing associations, that it is retained in yonder corridor as a precious relic, though it? voice has been hushed before the three-fold call which we ncr hear: "ll.'Us are the voice or tlio church ; They have tones that touch and seur.'h The hearts ot young and old ; One sound to all, yet each tends a meaning to thnlr speech, And the meaning Is manifold." The brick building of r837 con tinued in use until 1868, when the people resolved to begin the construc tion of a new edifice. The corner stone of this, the fourth building was laid on September nth, 1868, and the church was finished, with the ex ception of the tower, early in 1870. It was begun ami completed while the Rev. Thomas H. Cullen was Rector, and was consecrated on June 28th, 1 88 1, by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Howe, Bishop of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania during the rectorship of the Rev. Dr. Zahner. Returning to the succession of Rec tors, we find that after the Rev. Mr. II opkins left the parish in 1818, Lay Readers maintained the services until in December, 1824, Mr. Wm. Eldred, from England, who had been acting as a Lay Reader here from the 20th of May, 1823, was ordained Deacon by Bishop White, and continued in charge of the parish for a year or more. In 1828, the Rev. James DePui was Rector of St. Paul's, St Gabriel's, PA. Sugarloaf, and Christ church, Derry. He resigned in 1832. The Rev. Ben jamin Hutchins began his rectorship on Sept. 2, 1832, and resigned April 8, 1833. He was followed by the Rev. George C. Drake, who was in charge of the parish from 1833 to 1842. The Rev. Wm. H. Bournes suc ceeded Mr. Drake in Dec. 1842 and continued in charge until Tune, 1844. The Rev. Samuel T. Lord came next, in Feb., 1845, ad resigned June, 1846. He was immediately succeed ed by the Re.v. A. A. Marple, who held the rectorship until Sept., 1848, when the Rev. Joel Rudderow entered upon duty here and remained from 1848 to 1853. The Rev. Henry Tul lidge, D. D., was then called to the rectorship and continued until Nov. 1857. He was followed by the Rev, A. M. Weily, from March 1859 to reo. i860. In August, i860, the Rev. J. A. Russell became the Rector and continued until Dec. 31, 1862. January 5, 1863, the Rev. Thomas H. Cullen took charge of the parish and stayed until 1870. He was followed by the Kev. John Hewitt, who remained until 1877. He was succeeded by the Rev. Louis Zahner, who continued until the Autumn of 1886, and in December of the same year, the pres ent Rector, (the Rev. Wm. C. Lev erett) assumed the care of the parish. It is a simple thing to pen this list of names and dates. But could we read between the lines, what a record it would be of toil and sacrifice, of blessings and of joys 1 Time would fail me to tell the good things accomplished here by my hon ored predecessors. The memory of their work survives in the grateful hearts of the people, and its record is on high. But it may not De out of place for me to mention what the congregation has done during the last six years, of which I am personally cognizant. Let us go back for a moment to 1886. The first thing which was attempted after my coming, was the liquidation of a debt of about a thousand dollars, which was an obstacle to progress. This was soon accomplished and, in my judgment, the prompt action was the step that opened the way to all that followed. Then came a renova tion of the church build'ng, repairs up on the roof, re-painting of the walls and the introduction of steam heating apparatus. A fund, which had been begun some years before, was now augmented by the efforts of the ladies and supple mented by the men of the congrega tion and the parish house was built. An addition not for show, but for ser vice, to be what it has proved to be, a work shop for the parish. The Sun day School room was furnuhed throughout by the thoughtful liberality of one parishioner, Mrs. Hester Bar ton, and by other gifts the various needs were supplied and the machinery was made complete. The tower of the church was finished by Mr. John G. Freeze, and a peal of bells given by Mr. Paul E. Wirt. The vested choir was introduced under the direction of Mr. George E. Elwell, and the choir stalls and necessary outfits were pro cured. By the ene-gy of Mr. George S. Robbins and the co-operation of those inspired by his zeal, the artificial stone pavemeht was next laid about the whole church property. After a brief breathing space it was resolved that the interior of the church building should receive due attention. And within the past few months all the wood-work has been re-dressed, the walls and oeiling have been colored, new carpets and cushions and kneel-' ing crickets supplisd and electric light iniroduced. Various additions have been made, like the renewed font and hymn tablets, and last but by no means least, the tnree chancel windows, tne gift of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Funston which beautify the sanctuary and mark the beginning of better things in the way of windows for the church. You will observe that the organ pipes have not been changed in color so as to match the tints 01 the wail above them, but are left in their origi nal hue to remind us that a new organ is in due time to come. The commodious Rectory was made increasedly comfortable at the time of my coming, in 86, and recently its exterior has been painted. The grounds have also been much improv ed. Meanwhile the parish has met all its Diocesan dues and has enlarged rather than diminished its offerings for mis sionarv and charitable purposes. And best of all, the people have united with their Rector, more ana more. during these years in his endeavor to build them up as a Spiritual Temple acceptable to the Lord. For all this we are profoundly grate ful to Him who maketh men to be of one mind in an house and devoutly say, " lo God give all the praise. At 1. 15 p. m. an elegant lunch was served in the dining hall of the Parish House, under the direction of the ladies, which was attended by the Bishop, the clergy, the choir, and all the visitors who came back to their old home to be present at these services, At the close, entertaining speeches were made by Bishop Rulison, Rev. J F. Powers, Rev. W. H. Graff, Rev. Mr. Baker, and Col. Freeze. The Hall was beautifully decorated with ferns, plants and flowers. At 7530 the closing services were held, when touch ing addresses were made by Rev. Dr, Zahner and Rev. T. H. Cullen, fol lowed by the Bishop. A reception was held in the Parish House after service, attended by all the visitors and the congregation' t hus closed the first century of at. Paul s church. It was a season ot delightful exercises, and was thor oughly enjoyed by all who participated. Among the former members of the congregation who returned to attend the centennial services were Miss Mary Painter, Muncy ; Judah Boone, Pottsvillei Mrs. Eli Ager, Wilkesbarre; Mrs. C. R. Paxton, Mrs. Christian, Virginia ; Mrs. E. W. Elwell, Towan da ; Mrs. R. C. Neal, Harrisburg ; G, A. Clark, Tyrone : Mr. and Mrs. M. E. Walker, Shickshinny ; Mr. and Mrs. John a. Gilbert. Mrs. Jacob Verdy, Philadelphia ; Mrs. W. J. Buckalew, Pottsville; Mr. and Mrs. William Leverett, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Lutz, Wilkesbarre ; Miss A. D. Webb, Potts- ville ; Mrs. Hewitt, Sunbury. NOTES. Mrs. Cullen accompanied her hus band on a visit to Bloomsburg friends. They are the guests of Mr. Lloyd Paxton at Rupert. Rev. T. H. Cullen was rector of St. Paul's from 1863 to 1870. In 1881 he returned to preach the sermon at the consecration of the church. It was built during his incumbency. Mrs. Dr. Zahner's many friends were disappointed by her inability to be here. The illness of her aged father prevented. Many of the visiting clergy compli mented the choir highly on the rendi tion of the music, and were pleased at the interest manifested by the mem bers in attending every service. Mrs. Henry L. Jones of Wilkes barre was the guest of Mrs. Geo. E. Elwell, and Mrs. William Leverett. Mrs. Hewitt, mother of Rev, John Hewitt, spent Wednesday in Blooms burg, attending the centennial service. A SAD DEATH. Morgan Rodman Drinker, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Drinker, died at Tamaqua last Sunday after, noon at four o'clock, altsr an illness of only five days, aged 26 years. The remains were brought here on Mon day, and funeral services were held In St. Paul's church on Tuesday after noon at 4.30 o'clock. He was a mem ber of the Episcopal church, and an exemplary young man. . His parents were summoned and arrived before his death, but his brother Fred, re- ceivtd a telegram on Sunday, announ cing his critical condition, and drove to lamaqua, reaching there several hours after the end had come. He was possessed of extraordinary mechanical genius, and was fast mak ing a reputation as a draftsman and mechanic, and his early death has blasted the fond hopes of his many friends. Many floral offerings were sent in, and the bereaved family have the sympathy of the community. . NO 23 BRIEF HEHTION. ' About People You Know. Ceo. A. Claik is at home onj a two week's vacation. Hon. I. K. Krickbaum of Benton was in town Monday. Prof. J. P. Welsh went to New York on Wednesday. Sheriff Mourey went to Harrisburg on Thursday. Judge Elwell is having his resi dence repainted. W. S. Rishton spent several days in Philadelphia during the past week. D. R. Coffman, court crier, police man, and court house janitor, was 44 years old on Wednesday. C. B. Robbins has been up the creek this week on a Fishing expedi tion. C. C. Evans Esq. and C. B. Jack son Esq., both of Berwick wtre in at tendance at Argument court Monday. Harry Stees has entered the drug store of G. A. McKelvy, to learn the business. ' Cyrus Demott, one of Millville's most substantial citizens, was in town on Saturday, attending to business. I ram Derr, and son John F. of Greenwood township were in town decoration day. They are two of the solid democrats ot the county. Cleatus Jones, a former typo of The Columbian office, and now employed on the Naitiicoke Sun, spent decora tion day with his parents in this place. Chas. Unanest Esa. and wife of New York city, visited their parents Mr. and Mrs. P. Unanest. during the past week. Mr. Laylon Runyon has gone on a trip to visit relatives and friends in Northern Pennsylvania , and New York state. Mr. and Mrs. I. K. Dildine of Or- ; angeville, spent Sunday with their son-in-law F. P. Vanderslice on East , street. Tohn Rehm of West Third street is breaking ground for another dwelling. 1 uai sckuun ui uic luwn is uuuuiug . up very rapidly. Charles Shaffer, our famous hase ball catcher is now captain of the Harrisburg club. His last position is that of first base, and he nlavs it with the same earnestness and success that he plays that of catching. Hon. E. M. Tewksburv. whn has been confined to his bed at his board ing house in Harrisburg for the past two weeks is improving slowly, and will no doubt soon be out again.. He was missed very much at the closing hours of the Legislature. Eli McHenrv of Benton was in town on Saturday. He recently sold four- 1 1 - r . 1 r . . 1 . . iccn ucau 01 cauic iair.enea Dy mm, 10 Charles Haas of Berwick. The cattle averaged 1340 pounds, a gain of 340 pounas eacn since Mr. mc Henry got them last winter. He knows how to prepare them for the market. Ex-Sheriff Casev celehrated his fnr. ty-ninth birtu-day yesterday. The sher iff was born on Iron street in this town within three hundred yards of his pres ent residence in the house nearest the arch bridge, and with the exception of about two years has resided on the same street ever since his birth. PEESIDING ELDER DONOHUE DEAD. It is the unexpected that always happens. No one would have be lieved that the next person to be summoned across the dark river would be the Rev. John Donohue, Presiding ruuer ot the Danville District of the M. E. Church. lie was to all ap pearances a robust and healthy man. On Wednesday evening he returned home on the 6:36 train, and before he had reached his home he felt faint, and was observed by his wife who was at a window in their house, leaning against a tree neip was sent to him, and he waii able to get to the house, when he said he wanted air, and that he was very sick. Dr. Arment was sum moned, and soon after, Dr. Brown was also called in, but he was beyond the aid of human skill, and died soon af ter. His age was sixty-one years. He was pastor of the M. E. Church here some yearsago, and has been Presid ing Elder for several years, making Bloomsburg his residence, and was prominent in the councils of his church. His loss is a severe one not only to the family, but to the Metho dist Church and the community. The . services will be held in the Methodist church Friday afternoon' at 2:30. The remains will be taken to Baltimore for burial. i j ' .v1 (' ' y
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