Monroe County Watchman
District Conference.
Rehobeth Centennial, &c.
July 25, 1884
District Conference adjourned on Saturday, after a highly interesting session. We give below a partial list of the cler[gy]men and lay delegates in attendance:
Clergymen - Revs. David Bush, P. E.; Collins Denny, P. S. E. Sixcas, L. H. Graybill, J. L. Henderson, A. Q. Flaherty, D. L. Reid, J. K. Gilbert, W. H. Wolf, S. S. Troy, W. N. Wagner, J. W. Canter, A. O. Armstrong, E. Y. Ginn, J. W. Coffman, John Miller, L. G. Cheuvront, J. Waugh, C. A. Bragg, A. H. Cooper, J. L. Kibler.
Lay Delegates - R. W. Hill, W. C. Mann, E. M. Arnott, R. C. Appling, D. Watts, M. J. Kester, F. Hereford, J. A. Wallace, J. B. Pitzer, J. C. James, J. R. McCulloch, George Law, H. Steward and others.
The childrens' mass meeting on Friday was appropriately addressed by Revs. A. O. Armstrong, W. K. Boyle, L. H. Graybill, A. Q. Flaherty and others.
On Saturday morning there were discussions on the subject of temperance, the observance of the Sabbath, &c. Resolutions of thanks were offered to the people of Union for their generous hospitality. The conference then adjourned to meet at Hillsboro, Pocahontas county, next Sunday.
The Rehobeth Centennial was held in the grove near the old church, on Sunday, July 20th. Provision had been made to seat about 1200 people. At the time appointed, 10:30 A. A,, it was estimated that at least 1500 people were on the ground, among them the members of the district conference.
The printed programmes were distributed, the congregation was called to order and the first hymn - "Coronation" - was sung with thrilling effect. The opening prayer was offered by Rev. G. W. Bruffy, an old citizen of this community, and a local preacher of the M. E. church. His voice, trembling with age, only added to the effect of his powerful prayer. The 887th hymn was sung. The Historical Sketch of Rehobeth church was then delivered by Rev. J. L. Kibler. It was of deep interest, and was listened to by the multitude with rapt attention.
The 561st hymn was then sung which was followed by a Centennial Sermon by Rev. Collins Denny. The service had been long and the sermon itself was of good length, but there could be no weary ones under the thrill of the orator's voice. His reference to Methodist history was most impressive. He found the secret of its success, and told, in glowing terms, of its wonderful power.
After the sermon Hon. Frank Hereford, inspired by the occasion, stepped forward and made an earnest appeal to the congregation for a centennial offering. After heading the list himself with $100, others responded liberally, and in a few moments $425 were subscribed.
The afternoon service was opened by singing hymn 59, and an appropriate prayer was offered by Rev. A. O. Armstrong. Then hymn 456 was sung. A centennial sermon was then preached by Rev. David Bush, P. E. The expectations of the people were high, and they were not disappointed. The preacher showed how the great door was opened to Methodism, and though there were many adversaries, the door was entered by John Wesley, and many followed him.
After singing the hymn, "Awake my soul, stretch every nerve," a feeling prayer was offered by Geo. Law, Esq. The doxology was sung, the benediction pronounced, and the centennial service was closed. It was a precious season. Many souls were deeply stirred. Many hearts were greatly comforted, and the people went to their homes rejoicing in the great privileges and blessings of the day.
Rev. A. Q. Flaherty preached in Union at night to a large and attentive congregation, after which the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered.