HOMER AVENUE M. E. CHURCH DEDICATION

Homer Avenue M. E. Church circa 1900.

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, May 29, 1891.

THE HOMER AVENUE CHURCH.

Dedicated Wednesday, May 27, 1891—Interesting Services—The Entire Debt Cancelled.

   Every sitting in the well arranged edifice of the Homer Avenue M. E. Church was filled at 2:10 Wednesday afternoon when the choir opened the dedicatory exercises by singing: "I was glad when they said unto me," etc., Miss May Watkins presiding at the organ. Resident pastor Rev. Charles Hamilton then stated the object of the exercises and read scriptural passages, upon the request of presiding Elder Beebe of this district, who conducted the services.

   Hymn 822 was then sung, and the Rev. Mr. Annable read a scripture lesson from 2 Chronicles, 6th and 7th chapters, followed by the Rev. Mr. Stacy of Memorial church, Syracuse, with reading of portions of the scriptures commanding that a feeling of friendship and brotherly love exist.

   A feeling invocation was offered by Rev. David D. Campbell of the first M. E. church followed by the singing of hymn 868, which brought the exercises to the spiritual feast of the afternoon—a sermon by the Rev. D. Butz, of Drew Theological Seminary, who paid a tribute to the active work of those who were instrumental in the erection of the present edifice which was to be dedicated. His chosen line of thought was embodied in 2 Thessalonians, 1:10—"When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day."

   In considering the saint's life three imperative thoughts present themselves: A centrally founded doctrine; a clear and accurate definition; a prime and fundamental purpose. Without these characteristics success will not result—with them life's work will not be a total failure. Proof that it is the Supreme wish that they may become saints is given in Psalms xcvii-10; 1 Cor. vi, 2-7; 1 Thess. iii-13; Romans i; 1 Cor. i; Collossians i; 2, 7, 12, 26; 1 Samuel ii-9.

   We undervalue the influences with which God has surrounded the people, viz: The Bible, the sabbath, temples erected to his worship, the bible class, the Sunday school—all for what? The sixth chapter of Romans read understandingly might prove beneficial in the enlarging of the saints' church. The doctor named three classes of saints to be met with in all localities: the quiet, the aggressive and the benevolent. The mention of the latter caused a momentary gleam of mirth to appear, but as no request for donations followed and the speaker continued the portrayal of the saint's life and mission, attention was undivided until the closing sentence: "Our shining shall be but the reflection of Christ which is in us."

   Presiding Elder Beebe then briefly outlined the financial condition of the society showing a debt of $8137.09 having been incurred in purchase of lot, erection of church and parsonage. Of this amount $3,807.09 had been cancelled leaving a balance of $4,430 to be provided for by pledges upon the following liberal terms of payment: one-fourth to be paid July 1, '91; December 1, '91; June 1, '92 and December 1, '92.

   William B. Stoppard and Frank L. Bosworth as secretaries were kept busy for upward of an hour recording three $300, one $200, two $100, and near a score of $50 donations, then $40, $35, $25, $20 and down to $5 until $3,575 was the handsome footing and great joy was manifest upon each countenance.

EVENING SESSION.

   An evening service began at 7:45 o'clock, the choir singing "Within This Temple's Sacred Walls." Bro. Beebe read the 84th Psalm and hymns 768 and 248 were sung. Presiding Elder Hermans of the Elmira district was then introduced and delivered a most thoughtful discourse upon God's love for his children, as disclosed in 1 John iii: 2—"Beloved, now are we the sons of God; and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." While there is a tendency to look up to great men as exemplary christians after reading Paul's epistle to the Romans we can reflect that what we are we were not when created in the image of our maker. We marvel at God's love for a sinner. The comparison of St. John's view, "that we be called the sons of God" with that of Jesus when he said: "Your father, the devil, and his works ye do,'' shows that while it may be fortunate to belong to a blue blood family of long lineage for patriotic and heroic deeds, and though there might be something in blood, yet the grace of God does not run in blood or some great men might be good. There is cause for great wonderment that the light of God's grace should shine through the bramble and thorn path as it does, inspiring a grand central thought: What are we? Man claims superiority over the living kingdom earth; yet there are minute insects whose power of vision beat man out of sight. The closing thought was that while the world may be cold, there is a good time coming bye and bye.

   A final successful effort was then made to obliterate the small debt existing, the church dedicatory service performed, and the benediction pronounced as a close of a memorable event in the history of Homer Avenue M. E. Church.

Marathon Has a Sensation.

   Overseer Samuel B. Pierce of Marathon, alighted from the 6 a. m. D. L. & W. train last Friday morning having in custody one Michael McGuire, a former employe of Dunphy's tannery in that village. On Thursday McGuire is reported to have divided his time between lounging about the tannery and emptying schooners laden with brewery products. About 6 P. M. he was seated upon a fallen tree in the ravine west of the tannery, resting his head upon his hands. As a citizen approached the spot, McGuire sprang to his feet, gazed at the intruder and instantly drew a razor twice across his throat, upon the left side, but owing to the bad edge of the blade, the juggler vein was not tapped.

   The man's condition at the time of the act bordered on the delirium state. After the wounds had been closed a watch was placed over the would-be self-destroyer until morning, when he was removed to the county house, where he is in a fair way to speedy recovery.

Keep Matches From Children.

   Leaving her six-year-old daughter at play with dolls and other toys in a room on the second floor of 83 Maple avenue extension last Thursday, Mrs. Alfred Tiffin busied herself with the numerous details of a housewife's duties. Tired of play the little Miss took a tour of inspection finally pausing to view the match case; next to examine the contents and finally to ignite the brimstone-tipped sticks solely for the amusement afforded in the crackling ignitation [sic] and pretty blaze. Rapidly each one was blown out until a number of the extinguished matches lay strewn about the carpet.

   Innocent, child sport; but "'tis a long road without any turn" reads the old saw, and the child lighted another match, when followed a terrified scream to which the mother responded only to find the curtains and draperies in flames. Regardless of personal danger, Mrs. Tiffin opened a window, tore down the burning decorations and throwing them into the yard stamped out the fire which was consuming the carpet and with the assistance of neighbors saved her home with the precious young life.

   After the excitement had died away, Mrs. Tiffin suffered excruciating pain from seriously burned and blistered arms and hands. Dr. Hughes dressed the injuries and finds most favorable symptoms for permanent recovery. Hereafter the pretty match safes will be placed beyond the reach of little hands, as they should be in every home.

Found Dead in Her Bed.

   For upward of eight months past Mrs. Huldah B. Hathway, widow of the late James B. Hathway, has been in very poor health at times being utterly helpless, requiring during the greater portion of that period as much care as a child. Of late, however, she has been sufficiently strong to take a limited stroll about the grounds of her home, 50 Tompkins street, even as late as Sunday, retiring that evening in apparently her usual spirits.

   Monday morning her sister, Mrs. E. J. Walker, who was her constant attendant went to Mrs. Hathway's room (the latter from choice always occupying apartments on the first floor) to announce breakfast, when she was horrified to discover the body of Mrs. Hathway stretched upon the bed. A hasty examination disclosed that life was extinct. Summoning the nearest neighbors a more minute examination disclosed a portion of a clothes-line wound three times about the neck and tied in a single loose knot. From the fact that no indenture was made upon the skin an inquest was deemed unnecessary and the physicians decided that heart failure was the cause of her death. The body was prepared for burial and funeral services were held at 3 P. M., Wednesday.

The Only Place to Advertise.

   At a recent convention of general passenger agents of leading railroads, held in Denver, it was resolved to suspend all other methods of advertising except that of newspapers. The experience of these men had fully demonstrated that money spent in railroad guides, hotel registers, fancy show cards and other schemes of like character did not pay, and should be prohibited.

   The newspaper is the natural and proper medium through which to reach the public, and this is the conclusion of all who have any knowledge upon the subject of advertising. All other devices are useless and worthless. The columns of well established and reputable newspapers furnish the only proper means of directing the attention of the public to what you have to sell. The most experienced business men realize this fact.

Saturday at the Driving Park.

   Tomorrow afternoon a regular field day will be held on the Cortland Driving Park. A foot-ball game, base ball and other field sports will take place. Admission 25 cts. Carriages free.

Items.

   The Central club room of Cortland horsemen was the recipient of some antique xiiith century furniture yesterday, from an appreciative listener to turf recitals.

   The wedding of Mr. William Walsh and Miss Maggie Dohoney was celebrated last Wednesday. The ceremony being performed by Rev. Father McLoghlin, at St. Mary's church, in the morning.