Hide Article Text (OCR)
cincin■ .. ■BAPTISTSLay a Corner-Stone in theVillage of WestwoodFor a New Church for tho Cityof Cincinnati.Historical Sketch of tho Congregation—AddressesContents of Corner-Stone. -Baptists gathered in Westwood yesterday from ^11 points of the compass, to witness the laying of the cornerstone of the new Bethel Baptist Church of WeStwood. A floor was laid upon the foundation, and upon this were gathered the ministers, officers of the church, the choir, auid a number of interested spectators, while on the lot in frcnt of the church, on the sidewalks and sweets, people watched and listened attentively to the close of the exti^ses. Itev. Abner F. fowling, the pasUn, began the exercises hy giving u hearty, cordial, brotherly welcome to all, end extending ah invitation to be present when the church hhall b-j finished and dedicated. In fact there will be a w'elcome for you at the Baptist church at all times. The wnole audience ther joined with the choir in singing Coronation.The invocation was offered by the Rev. J. A. Suddarth, of the Mt. Lookout Baptist Church, liev. M. M. Bugler, of the M. C. Church, of Westwood, read distinctly and effectively portions ot Scripture from the Old Testament,giving an account of the laying of the corner-stone of the Temple, and from the New' Testament referring to Christ as the chief corner-stone.The hymn ’‘How Firm a Foundation, ’ was sung by the choir and congregation.Mr. W. G. Hildreth read a very interesting historical sketch, of which thefollowing are extract*:“The first organization of Baptists inthe Western part of the country located in Delhi Township, on Rapid Run, On the 17th of April, 1803, the following named brothers and sisters met together and were constituted, viz: Enos Terry, George Cull cm, David Terry, Robt. Terry, Wm. Worrel, Ruth McLe-hany, Chloe Terry, Amelia Worrrel and Rhoda Cullum. This organization ceased on Oct. 3, 1835. In meantime a number of Baptists in the neigh-hood of Cheviot, through the efforts of Richard Gaines, frequently met in his house and barn to listen to the truth and encourage one another to work in the Sabbath-school. The good accomplished by this beginning can not be estimated. In 1824 the Baptists built a brick meeting-house on a lot near Cheviot, given by the firm of Burnet, Findlay Harrison, which was dedicated Aug. 29, 1821. Richard GainesMr.andtheread the article of confession and order in public Sundav. Oct. 3. 1824, and the right hand of fellowship was extended by the brethren from other churches. The baptism of Samuel T. Smith w'as the first and occurred Jan. 22, 1825. Smith moved to La Crosse, Wls., was instrumental In organizing first Baptist Church in that city.“The pioneer fathers and mothers called things by their proper names, and hewed to the line. .Then, aa now, intemperance was the gVeat disturber. Deacon Richard Gaines died Nov. 29, 1857, ag d 96 years. A pastor. Elder Geo. Hildreth, died May 24, 1839, after twenty-four years of ardent and zealous labors of love in this and adjoining vicinities.“The present church was dedicated April 28, 1850, and while it w'as building the congregation worshiped in thePresbyterian Church, at the corner of South and Spring streets. In February, I8G5, J. E. Craig was licensed to preach, and is now pastor of a prosperous church in Philadelphia. Deacon D. E. Stathem died Dec. 5, 1867, aged 76 years. Deacon David Sheppard, the last of the constituent members, died In 1877. Deadon Joe. Hildreth, a son of the Rev. Geo. Hildreth, died Sept. 3, 1881.“And shall not we, of the present day, in view of these facts, and/in view of the great good that has been accomplished by these fathers and mothers in Israel, take up our cross, and be willing cheerfully to devote time and money for the continuance of this blessed cause?For her our tears shall fall.For her our prayers ascend,To her our cares and toils be given Till toils and cares shall end.”Rev. W. E. Stevens, of the Baptist Church, Columbia, in his address, congratulated Brother Bowling and his people on the work they had before them. He had gone through the same experience and was sure that the congregation and minister wmuld find it the most blessed in their history. We never carry heavy burdens but God will help and bless us. We have our carious denominations in churches, but r-ach has a place to occupy! and we fill the proper place when we/are a blessing to others. The buiWing of this church will cause self-d\nial; it willaike money out of your packets, but It s money well spent, fon you havebought something that is ^well worthbuying.no assoclat.on supper lodginga home. HomeDr. C. F. Mussey, of the Presbyterian Church of Westw’ood, appreciated the honor of an invitation, and made a short, spirited address. He said: “Icongratulate you that you have the prospect of a new.and beautiful church, nor do I feel in the least envious of you that you are to have a more beautiful and better appointed house than we have, and, as far as I am aware, my people share my feelings.This church stands for good order, good citizenship, intelligence, education. morality. Strangers look at thesethings, citizens value them, people inquiring for houses ask for them. A church stands for an open Bible, for the oracles of God, for revealed truth, for a crucified but risen and exalted Savior, for a saving faith, for regenerate souls, for brotherly love, invitation and shelter to the laboring and heaven laden, for wrelcome to the hungry to eat of the bread of life, and to the thirsty to drink of the water of life. ! i“Eest of all a church is the earthly home of the saints of God. it is not an inn to which w'e arc introduced i y our casual presence in an* place, and with which wre have but the experience of and breakfast, but it is Is the place where life begins, where thought awakens, where knowledge germinates, where faith toward others springs up, where the father’s ie-■curces appear, and the mother 3 tenderness and care, w'here our wants are feit and met. where we ner/e ourselves for labor, whither we return for rest, where wm receive the first bath and last benediction of our earthly love, where we lie down to diaWhat wrere home, where w*ere home, without the family? What were it without father or mother or brothers and sisters? What were it without the family hand of love? In the Church of God are our spiritual kindred. Our Father is there in the majesty of in-eft able glory,- in the benignity of ineffable love. Our elder brother is there, radiant in the brightness of the Father's glory and in the effluence of His own love. Our spiritual brothers and sisters are there. Our family table is there, laden with the staples of an abounding Providence and the luxuries of a more abounding grace—a house ofGod.“Now, my friends, who are building this new and attractive church, I wish that it may be filled with the glory of the Lord, There are some to whom the old h^use will be more lovely than any temple that man can build, but whileyou cherish sacred memories, keep in touch with living men and the thoughtsthat move men of to-day. sAfter singing the hymn, “t Txne Thv Church, O God, Rev. W. D. Holt, of the Wyoming Baptist Church, delivered tt brief, but effective address. He said that there were many waim friends that wmuld rvtoice on account of the new church. years egow'hen he was pastor of this church, and enjoyed the comforts and ful surroundings of Westwood,him happy whenever he saw?house building, and now he was happy because they w'ere to have a new church that would be an ornament to the community. A church is an indi-bcau’ i-it made a in wMERCiLSTYLIS1-Commencing Mondayand ending Saturday, Ayou can come into our giDepartment and makefrom a lot of 2,000Fashionableand StySuitsfor$6.50—dupli4which we have sold allat $10, $12 and $15. Notthe lot that is not worpenny of the original pricFIFcation of thrift, and the people who are saving money are church peop e. People looking for homes in the suburbs, go w’here there is a good church building. They make a tour of the villages, consult about it, and thus decide upon their suburban home. He spoke of two families that came to Wyoming. They said that they liked Westvyood best, out there’s the old church. “The other churches ought to be happy on account of this church, for each one adds to the prosperity of the other, and so I congratulate the other churches, and I congratulate the Baptists especially for this movement. It is a joy to me to see so many people. The history of the church is a joy to me, it should be read eveiy few years, and we w'ould be stlmu ated by the examples of those who built theold church.Rev. Bowling remarked that although they loved the old Church, they were going to transfer their affections tothis. 'iH'’Reading of the contents of the box by Scott Getzendanner.The corner-stone was inscribed:mAtiAnRTinunoBETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH. 1824. 1895.oDr. G. W. Lasher then took up the trowel, and remarked that when he w*as requested to lay the corner-stone he could not refuse the honor. He was accustomed to heavy lifting, and had learned to handle stone when a boy, for he had lived on a stony farm. He thought that the brethren of West-wrood were modest in not cutting 1821 on the stone, which is the date of the organization of the first society, and that they were a Church at that time.The following articles were deposited in the box: Bible; names of constituent members of Bethel Baptist Church; names of the present members; names of pastor, deacons and trustees; names of the Building committee; names of officers and teachers of the Sunday-school; names of ministers ordained byBethel Baptist Church; name of architect, contractors and Superintendent of construction; copies of denominational papers, Journal and Messenger, Baptist Union; copies of articles of faith of Bethel Baptist Church; copy of the minutes of Miami Baptist Association, 1894; copy of the church covenant; historical sketch of Bethel Baptist Church ; copy of the original contract with Benjamin Brown for building the old church, 1848; copy of subscription paper for building church, 1848; copy of contract with R. W. Hartley, 1848; copy of the Commercial Gazette, with the article on the corner stone laying; report of Missionary Society of the Baptist Association; copy of church meeting; coins; copies of song book used in Baptist Sunday-school, 1824; copy of blank note used in soliciting funds for new church, 1895.The Deacons who assisted in placing the corner stone were D. E. Weaver and N. G. Hildreth. Dr. Lasher, with the trowel in his right hand and bending over the stone, said: “We are dedicating this stone to the triune God. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost I pronounce this stone well and truly laid, striking the stone three times with the handle of the trowel. The w'ork was accomplished and Rev. Bowling offered the benediction.andthatfroneveihouiTlfaihacct ed cto h tuclthecopiclusAftlt;filinhentuclforexpiagnUpcingthealioclaiappdifflt;MorEXC1R8IOX TO LAKEWOOD, LAKECHAIJTAIQEA.87.50 Ronnil Trip.Via Erie Lines, August 20 and 22. Tickets good on regular trains going and returning. Limit, 10 days. Full particulars Erie Office. No. 11 West Fourth street.-CATHEDRAL MUSIC.St. Peter’s Cathedral.—-At this morning’s service Miss .Josie Wuebbin, soprano, will sing for the Offertory O Sal-utarl3,” by Kapp, with flute obligatoplayed by Mr. Cliff (*bb. Prof. William Kiussenzchn will preside at tnc organ.powpastwayTlprlstorsthetlontheeveiagrlt;theas 1and vali It Hin doni of 1 Chh A they es1CuthasactiitlyL£urioucangam mis it vhavofscinrwerTrucenttracdinta yHalf Fare to Boston and Return.Tin New York.:The Baltimore and (Jhlo Southwestern Railway will sell tickets to Boston and return, via Washington, Baltimore, Phita-delpMa and New York, at half fare. Tickets on sale August 19 to 25, inclusive, returning until September 10 or September 30. Good for stop over. Full Particulars at B. O. S. W. ticket office, s. e. cor. Fourth and Vine streets.to 1hasdonactitaklt;$1,0(relshouiMdaydistTrutlonthinCim the be ri all c pric are not a glt; faih
Newspaper Details
Cincinnati Commercial Gazette
Cincinnati, Ohio, US
Sun, Aug 18, 1895
Page 8
Full Page
Clipped by
Cincinnati A.
OH, USA 24 Jul 2022
Other Publications Near Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati Kentucky Times Star
Cincinnati Christian Age
Cincinnati Israelite
Cincinnati North Journal
Weekly Cincinnati Times
