GRACE CHURCH VISITOR
A MONTHLY DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS OF THE GRACE REFORMED CHTTRCH AND SUNDAY SCHOOL.
VOLUME III.
FOET WAYNE, IND., FEBEUAEY, 1891.
NUMBEE 2.
THE RELIGIOUS STATUS OF FORT « WA YNE.
Our city has many costly and beauti- ful church buildings, but withal we are far from having reached a millennial day of gospel enlightenment and grace. In the judgment of many who are competent to know, the religious status of Fort Wayne is anything but flatter- ing. For some months past many of our churches have been engaged in special evangelistic work, but so far the harvest has been meager. The churches have not been moved by the mighty power of God, and the conversions have been comparatively few. The laborers have gone forth to the harvest, and shall it be that they shall return empty- handed? Sinners seem to be securely entrenched in their indifference and perverseness of heart, and God's people do not seem to be equal to the task. Something must be wrong somewhere. Joshua and his armies took the city of Jericho without any difficulty, but at 'Ai~ iney were shamefully defeated. Something was wrong. God's people were at fault. God is willing to-day to give the victory unto his people. "The Lord is not willing that any should per- ish, but that all should come to repent- ance."
It is altogether probable that Fort Wayne has more than twenty thousand people who have no church homes and who are out of Christ. Of this vast multi- tude of unsaved souls thousands should have been gathered into the kingdom during these seasons of special efforts. But we fear, from present indications, this will not be so. How sad and dis- tressing the tuought. So many out of Christ, and so few are being saved. Something seem i to be all wrong some- where. Is ;: true that Israel has sinned, and transgressed the covenant of God? We do not want to be an alarmist, but we greatly fear that God's people have formed unholy al- liances with the world, and have them- selves gone into the ways of the trans- gressors, and thus have lost their influ- ence with the unsaved, and are grieving the Holy Ghost.
The church has become thoroughly conformed to and engrossed with the world. It has lowered its ^standard of Christian living, so that it becomes al- most impossible to draw a line of dis- tinction between professors and non- professors of religion. When God's
people will once stoop to lust after the carnal ways of the world, then our houses of worship and the sacred ordi- nances of the church shall be left unto us desolate.
One of the chief hindrances in evangelistic work to-day, and as found right here in our city, lies in the want of consecrated and united effort on the part of the Lord's professed followers. And this is so, not because the churches have no faith in the efficacy of evangelistic work, but mainly because God's people are actuated,
First by a spirit of indifference and unwillingness. Soul saving is not a work of paramount importance to their hearts. They have time and talent which they could without any great inconvenience to themselves readi- ly devote to this great end, but they will not. They are indifferent. "What if souls are lost, who cares?" This is the language of their lips. . What shameful or»^i i >Io viitio-u? :,siii'".l - tliic- iz of tIi-3 Lord Jesus.
A second reason why many of God's people cannot be enlisted iu evangelistic work is because they are unwilling to give any portion of their time and at- tention to this cause. Business claims not only first, but their whole attention. No time for soul saving. They are poor deluded souls. They forget that Gcd ?s able to take care of their business for ti em, much better than they are, and tht,t their first business of life is to seek after God's kingdom and his righteous- ness, and that if they will do so, all other things shall be added unto them. Give jour first time and concern to soul saving and the Lord's service, and then you have the assurance, that One, at whose hands is the disposal of all things will take care of your business.
A third reason why seme of God's professed children will not consent to join heartily in evangelistic work is be- cause their hearts are engrossed with worldly pleasures and amusements. They have gone in the way of the "Eich Fool," and have adopted his motto, "Eat, Drink, and Be Merry." We often hear evangelists relate how their work in certain churches has been frustrated by the indifference and lukewarmness of professed Christians. How, when in the very midst of gracious seasons of grace, prominent members of the church would indulge in parties, at. which there was wine-drinking,
card-playing, and dancing; and then a3 a logical sequence the work of the Holy Spirit was interferred with. The Holy Ghost was grieved. What inconsiderateness. Soul's tremb- ling in the balances, and God's people grieving the spirit and driving him away from the church and from the hearts of awakened sinners. The church that comes down to the level with the world and gives itself over to such carnality, must not suppose for a moment that it will be in the hands of God, a soul-saving church. Now these things are not true alone of churches outside of Fort Wayne, they are true of many churches right here in our own city. This is possibly the greatest curse of our churchs. The Lord's people given over to danc- ing, card-playing, wine-drinking, the- ater-going. Sad, sad, indeed! Hinder- ers to the Lord's work, and not helpers. Will not the churches of Fort Wayne soon have their fill of this iniquity. -Will they act seen Lu;nble thciiiofclv <« before God and confess their sins and tun; with a new heart unto the Lord, and dedicate themselves, as living sacri- fices holy and acceptable unto God. May the God of all grace and power awaken his peeple to a conviction of their iniquity, and of the reproach which they are bringing upon the church and themselves, and of the perils which they are bringing upon the un- saved, and may there be truly a revival of grace coming to the churches of our city in the near future. In conversa- tion with pastors and prominent work- ers of some of our churches we find that there is a unanimity of opin- ion as to the condition and wants of our churches. The world is capturing the church, instead of the church the world. The church, too cold. Too lukewarm. God's people lack in consecration. The church must return to its first love ; humble itself before God, if it be so that the Lord may have mercy upon us, and save our people from further reproaches and perils, and bring them into newness of spiritual life and activi- ty, that God's great name may be glo- rified, and his kingdom come, in the salvation of many souls.
Persons wishing to renew their sub- scriptions for the Christian World. can hand the money to the pastor and he will forward the money to the pub- lishing company.
GRACE CHURCH VISITOR.
GRACE CHURCH VISITOR.
25 Cents per Year. REV. A. K. ZARTMAN, A. M.,
Editob.
Board of Managers ; Rev. A. K. Zartman, F. D. Paulus, and D. W. Souder.
Entered at the postofflce at Fort Wayne, In- diana, aa eecond-closa matter. Eeb. 7, 1SS0.
,'
The Rev. Dr. H. H. Wells, of Cleve- land, Ohio, is conducting a series of evan- gelistic meetings of four weeks in the Presbyterian churches of this city. It was our privilege to attend many of these meetings and we were greatly edi- fied in so doing. The Doctor is a pleas- ant and forcible speaker. His sermons are logical and scholarly. His style clear and attractive. He enters into his work with a warm heart, and whole soul. He is a man of vast experince, and tells the story of Christ and the Cross with pathos and power. The Lord has been pleased to use this man in leading hun- dreds and thousands of souls to Christ. Sixteen years ago, while a theological student at Tiffin, Ohio, we had the priv- ilege of attending a series of meetings he conducted £here.
We are indebted to Dr. Wells for much of the evangelistic spirit that has been blessing our humble efforts ever ,eince we have ent,ered_the ministry, and for this reason we have a very warm love for this brother.
Dr. Wells is laboring very earnestly in our city. If these services are not fruitful in the immediate conversion of as many souls as it was hoped they might be, it is not because there is any lack of zeal on the part of the evangelist, the fault rests with the people. We are cer- tain, however, that if the immediate re- sults are not so apparent, the harvest will be gathered some time. This may be seed time, harvest will surely come. We hope and pray that there may be a great ingathering of souls from this work at a very early day. May the Lord give Dr. Wells health and strength and length of days, that he may con- tinue in his work for many years to come, and lead thousands more to the Lord Jesus,
GRACE CHURCH BAZAAR.
Monday afternoon, Feb. 9th., the ladies of the church held a meeting at the church parlors. At this meeting they decided by a unanimous vote to hold a Bazaar in the near future. Mat- ters were talked over freely and initi- atory steps were taken to start the ball rolling.
The time at which the Bazaar shall be held was not definitely fixed, but in all probability about the middle of the month of April. This will give the ladies fully two
months time in which to make their preparations. This will be time enough, but not any too much. All hands will have to get to work.
There were several things upon which the ladies decided at this meeting.
1st. That all the ladies and members and friends of Grace Church be and are kindly solicited to unite in this pro- ject so as to make it a success in every particular. We have no doubt but that there will be a full and hearty response to this request. So far the members of Grace Church have always been as one man in every project which was under- taken. The church has moreover al- ways had a hearty cooperation of its numerous friends. Grace Church is now coming to its second great crisis in its history. The inauguration of the project of holding a Bazaar means a move to the front. Grace Church mov- ing to the front and abreast with the other churches of the city. It means a move to the front of the church lot, with an inviting and commodious front to our house of worship, and thus put- ting the church upon an equality with the other societies of the city. Every one will know the importance of unanimity /' of heart and hand in such a project as the church is now about to undertake. Every member of Grace church is therefore kindly asked and affect ion - ately implored by the pastor to fall into line with this enterprise of the la- dies, being the iniatiatory step looking forward to the erection, in the near fu- ture of our much longed for and prayed for church auditorium.
A second matter determined upon by the ladies at their meeting was, that the officers together with the members of the executive committee of the Ladies Society, should constitute a managing committee for the Bazaar. It will be the province of this commit- tee to appoint sub-committees and per- fect arrangements. This committee is composed of the following ladies: Mrs. A. K. Z art man, Mrs. A.
M. Henderson, Miss Emma
Neireiter, Mrs. Martin Cornet, Mrs. Robert Gavin, Mrs. E. G. Pierce, and Mrs. Geo. Hessert. This commit- tee will hold its first meeting Monday afternoon February 16th, at the church parlors.
Third. That the ladies determined further that on Thursday's of each week, beginning with February 19th, the ladies are to meet at the church parlors for the purpose of doing sew- ing for the Bazaar. As many as possi- bly can.yare to come in the morning, bringing their lunch with them, and remain all day. The church parlors are centrally located, convient and will be comfortable.
Fourth. Each lady member and lady
friend of the church is kindly asked to furnish two or more white or gingham aprons for the Bazaar, and any such other articles as will bejsaleable, and as they can furnish. It will be a very small matter for all of our ladies to make up some articles and donate them for the Bazaar. At the Bazaar given two years ago, there was a great demand for ladies' and children's aprons. The dp- mand could not be supplied. It wilrbe well to lay in a large stock of aprons, both for ladies aud children. Can not our ladies of the church solicit aprons and other articles from many of their friends. No doubt many would be glad to furnish something, and thus help the good cause.
Now, remember the sewings at -the church parlors, on Thursday of each week. Come in the morning and put in the whole day. . The committee will have goods on hand to make up, and work for every one. Further announce- ments of the Bazaar will be made in later issues of the Visitor.
/ FIRST ANNIVERSARY.
i
Sabbath, February 22, the Young People's Society of Christian En- deavor, of Grace Church, will celebrate its first anniversary. In the morning at 10:30 the pastor will preach the anni- versary sermon. In the eveningat rzSO; the anniversary service proper will be held. The following programme has been arranged for this service by the committee appointed for this purpose :
Opening Chant Congregation
Invocation and prayer.
Hymn Congregation
Scripture reading in concert (bring your Bibles to this meeting.)
Singing Choir
Paper— "The Christian Endeavor Movement,"
Mrs. A. K. Zartman. Reading— "The Advancing Host". .Lillie Walters
.Singing. Paper— "The Active Member".. MollieBuckwalter
Paper — "The Associate Member"
._ Alice Vordermark
Singing.
Recitation— "The Sweetest Gift".. .May Cavault
Paper-"Elernents of the Pledge" Emma Neireiter
Hymn — "For Christ and the Church" (published
in this issue of the Visitor.)
Collection for Missions
Closing Hymn
Active Members' Pledge, repeated 'in concert. Benediction. Every member of the Society is ex- pected at these services morning and evening. It will be profitable for every member of the Sunday School to be at these services, and it is due the young people in their work that every mem- ber aud friend of Grace Church should attend these meetings. These services will be interesting to every person. Come and bring your friends.
\ If you have not already subscribed for the Visitor for 1891, see to it that you do so at once, lest you may not re- ceive every number.
\
GRACE CHURCH VISITOR.
GRACE REFORMED CHURCH.
DIRECTORY,
Our Church Parlors on East Washington St., between Barr aud Lafayette streets.
SERVICES.
Sabbath morning, - - - - 10 :30
Sabbath evening, - - - 7 :30
Sunday School, - - - - 9 :3u
Y. P. S. C. E. Prayer meeting Sab. evening 6:30 Prayer meeting Wednesday evening - 7:30
Come and welcome to these services.
A. K. Zabtman, Pastor.
Residence 96 East Washington St.
CONSISTORY.
Elders. P. D. PAULXJS.
D. W. SOUDER,
E. G. PIERCE,
Deacons. G. W. SOLID AY, JOHN L. HORN, C. 0. TROXELL.
Our membership comprises twenty five active, and twelve associate mem- bers, and we have our five committees fully equipped for work. Now, let us put on the gospel armor and fight valiantly for the Master's cause. Let us hope and pray that this coming year, may be one of profit to us all, and that we may prosper religiously, as well as socially and moraly.
Emma L. E. Neireiter.
Treasurer — Tames E. Lonebgan. Secretary— H. P. Vobdebmabk.
SABBATH SCHOOL.
P. D. PatjijDS— Superindendent.
D. W. Soudeb — Assistant Superintendent.
Kate Ebsig — Secretary.
Emma Neibeteb— Treasurer.
Oscab Mellee— Librarian.
WOMEN'S missionaby society.
Mbs. A, K. Zabtman — President. Mbs. A. M. Hendebson — Vice President. Emma Neireiteb— Secretary. Mbs. M. Conet — Treasurer.
mission band.
Mbs. A. K. Zabtman— Presidnnt. Katie Vobdebmabk— Vice Pbesident. CaRiE Soudeb— Secretary. Josie Zabtman— Treasurer.
Y. p. s. c, E.
A. K. Zabtman— Preasident. Katie Vobdebmaek — Vice President. Emma Neibeiteb — Secretary. Edgene Mathes — Treasurer.
A WORD WITH CHRISTIAN ENDEA VORS.
This month our Christian Endeavor Society will pass the first mile stone in its history, and what can we say about Christian Progression ? Have we, while helping and showing others the way to Christ, derived the benefit therefrom? Have we been growing in grace? That remains to be answered personally, but surely those who have faithfully kept their pledge have been "growing in grace and knowledge."
While we are yet a very young band of workers, we all have responsibilities resting upon ourseVves. There is a very wide field open for our young people to work in, and it ought to be our pleasure to interest strangers in church work. We must ever remember that we have consecrated ourselves to work for "Christ and his Church" and to that end let us be faithful.
God in His infinite mercy has cre- ated many beautiful things for us to enjoy. He has promised and given us His great love. "God is love," where- by "in this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him."
If if we love God let us then en- deavor to fulfill His commands. It is impossible for all of us to go into for- eign lands to teach the gospel to the heathen people, but it is possible to reach the Fort Wayne heathen, and many of them there are in our city.
SALEM CHURCH NOTES.
The pastor preached at the Salem Reformed church Monday evening, February 2nd, remaining in the com- munity the next day to do some pastor- al work. He visited the family of Michael Muhns. ;Mr. Muhn had been quite ill, but was some better. In the afternoon of the same day the pastor called to see Mr. Alex Baltz and family. This gentleman had also been ailing for some time, but was convales- cing. During the brief stay with this family the Sacrament of Holy Bap- tism was administered to the little daughter of these parents.
During the week beginning with Mon- day, Feb. 16, the pastor expects to hold a series of meetings at the Salem Church. It is hoped that these meet- ings may result in much good to the people of that community. There are a great mariyHnsaveS "slrulif amon~g~this~ people, and it is our prayer that many of them may be brought unto Christ.
The pastor is preaching a series of Sabbath morning sermons to the church. Sabbath morning, February 8th, though the weather was unfavor- able, there was a very large attend- ance. Every member of the church should hear these sermons.
Easter occurs March 29th. There will be services during the week prev-" ious, communion on Sabbath morning.
Our Sunday school is having a boom. Good attendance, good interest, and many new scholars.
Applicants for church membership can be received at any of our regular services.
TUE PEOPLES' STORE.
DOZOIS, BEADELL & CO.
— DEALEBS IN- DRY GOODS
Fancy Goods and Notions, 2o & 22 East Berry Street, Pixley & Long Block, Fort Wayne, Ind. Popular and low Prices. One Price Store.
GET YOUR
SHIRTS
Made to order at GOLDEN & MONAHAN.
It is generally conceded the
BEE HIVE DRY GOODS HOUSE
At all times shows the best selected, reliable Dby Goods, (wherein taste, style, durability are combined) in Northern Indiana Price3 guaranteed the lowest. M. Fbank & Co., Agent Buttericks Patterns.
CHINA, CROCKERY, GLASS,
LAMPS, DINNER SETS, 'toilet SETS, BRIC-A-BRAC, A full line of Wedding Presents.
15 Court or 58 Clinton St., East of Court House Fort Wayne. L. P. Shabp,
CONRAD NEIREITER, INSURANCE AGENCY,
Insures against Fire,, Lightning, Cyclones and. Accidents. Office at Residence, No. 269 West Washington street, Fort Wayne, Ind.
BARROWS GALLERY,
Best located, best appointed. Finest Photo- graphs in the city. *S"62 and 64 Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, Ind.-=©9
FR.\NK H. TREEP,
Lowest Prices on
WALL PAPER, PAINTING.PAPER HANGING
Ceiling Decoration, Etc.
No. 68 East Main Street. All work promptly and neatly done.
THE HOOSIER SHOE STORE, O. B. FITCH, Proprietor.
Boots, Shoes and Rubbers, 52 Calhoun Street, Opp. Court House. Fort Wayne, Ind.
COVERDALE & ARCHER.
DEALEES IN
Staple and Fancy Groceries Canned Fruits, Vegetables, Flour, Feed &c.
Fine Teas and Pure Spices, Butter and Eggs a specialty. Give us a call. No. 24 Harrison- and 42 W. Main St.
B. L. AUGER, CITY GREEN HOUSE,
16 E. Washington Street.
Home Grown Roses and Fresh-Cut Flowers the finest in the. City. Also Floral Designs ol all kinds.
M. L. FRANKENSTEIN,
Corner of Barr and Washington Streets,
PURE DRUGS, CHEMICALS,
And all Toilet Articles.
WM. GEARY, PRACTICAL HORSE SHOER,
Work Done that always gives satisfaction. No. 5 Harrison Street.
GRACE CHURCH VISITOR.
MRS. J. B. HEITZE
FINE MILLINERY.
Latest styles and novelties, first-class work and low prices. 118 Calhoun St., Schrnitz Block, Fort Wayne, Ind.
P. E. COX PRACTICAL PLUMBER,
NATURAL GAS FITTING AT LOW PRICES.
29 W. Main street.
TROY STEAM LAUNDRY. F. L. Jones & Co., Prop'rs.
Shirts, Collars and Cuffs a specialty. Nos. 48 & 50 Pearl Street. Telephone No. 180.
L. JUNK,
Manufacturer and dealer in
FRAMES, MOULDINGS, PICTURES,
Easels and Mirors.
No. 181 Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, Ind. Portrait Work a specialty.
H. W. CARLES, A full line of
FANCY GROCERIES.
Choice Teas and Coffee a specialty, 40 W. Berry Btreet. ~~.
M. L. ALBRECHT,
Manufacturer of
FINE CARRIAGES
Corner of Barr and Main Streets.
AUGUST BRUDER,
* * * JEWELER. * * *
N. E. corner Calhoun and Wayne Sts.
DEALER IN
Diamonds, Watches, Jewelry, Clocks, Silver- ware Etc., Etc.
DR. G. A. ROSS,
HOM(EPATHIC PHYSICIAN & SURGEON
B4 Calhoun street, Fort Wayne, Ind. Office hours, 7 to 8 a. m., 2 to 4 and 7 to 8 p. m. Tele- phone 28.
R. L. ROMY, NOTARY PUBLIC,
REAL ESTATE and LOAN BROKER.
City Property, Farms, Timbpr, Coal and Mineral Lands. Room 4, Bank Block, Fort Wayne, Ind. Over Journal office.
References: The Fisrt National or Hamilton Nationaf Bank of Fort Wayne, Ind.
FRUIT HOUSE PRICES.
Coffee, Teas, Sugars, Tobaooes, Spices, Fish and Groceries of aU kinds at a saving of 20c. on the DoUar.
FRUIT HOUSE.
Y P. S. C. E. PR A YER- MEETING TOPICS AND LEADERS.
Feb. 15, "Helping Our Brethren," Josh. i. 10-18 ; Oscar Miller.
Feb. 22, (Consecration Meeting), "Are We Good Stewards?" I. Peter iv. 7-11; Lillie Walters.
March 1, "God's Care for His Own," Ps. lxxxiv. ll;Eccl. viii. 12; Matt. vi. 33; Anna Yordermark.
March 8, "Obedience in Little Things," I. Sam. xv. 22; II. Kings v. 13; Eugene Mathes.
March 15, "Speak Truly," Matt. ii. 6, Phil. iv. 8; Ps. xxxiv. 13; Clara Piepen- brink.
March 22, "The Right Will Surely Triumph/' Roro. viii. 31, 32; II. Chron. xxxii. 7, 8 ; Albert Bush.
March 29, "Promise Meeting," IL Peter i. 4, II. Cor. vii. 1 ; Katie Wal- ters.
"FOR CHRIST AND THE CHURCH'
Li v inn for Christian Kniloavorers. BY P. W. GBIFFITES.
Tune— "Battle Hymn of the Republic." We are coming, Abba, Father, in the spring- time of our youth ; We are joining hands to battle for our Lord and
for His truth ; We are marching 'neath the banner of the God of peace and truth ;
While Christ is leading on,
Chorus :—
Glory, glory, hallelujah, glory, glory, hallelujah, Glory, glcry, hallelujah, for Christ is leading on
We are coming from New England's pine-clad
hills and sunny vales ; We are coming from the Southland, with her
palms and flowery dales ; We are coming from Pacific's wave-washed shores and shining gold;
While Christ is leeding on. Chorus.
We are marshalling for battle in |the fight
against the wrong ; Though our strength may be but feeble, in our
Leader we are strong. And we'll never, never falter, though the strife be hard and long,
While Christ is leading on. Chorus.
We are pledged for holy warfare, ever watchful
here below ; We are clad in gospel armor which will conquer
every foe ; Ever forward, never backward— Christ's En- deavors— we'll go,
While Christ is leading on. Chorus.
Let us then be valiant ever, let us to our pledge
be true, Ever keep our colors flying and our motto e'er
in view, Till we pass before our captain in the final grand review
While Christ is leading ou. Chorus.
The Wednesday evening services held for some time past have been well at- tended and been very interesting. The gracious work of grace continues among our people, and it may be possible that very soon we shall find it necessary to have services twice or three times dur- ing the week.
LOUIS WOLF & CO.,
64 Calhoun Street, DRY GOODS AND CARPETS,
Notions and Cloaks, CURTAIN GOODS.
D. H. BALDWIN & CO.,
98 Calhoun street, Fort Wayne.
Wholesale and retail dealers in strictly first-class Pianos and Organs. Sheet Music and Musical Instruments of all kinds. The leading house in the city.
THLEME BROS.
LEADING
MERCHANT TAILORS.
12 West Berry St. Work Guaranteed.
SCHEUMANN & KLAEHN, UNDERTAKERS & EMBALMERS.
Telephones Nos. 186 and 228. No. 39 W. Main Bt.
Wood Finished, Cloth Covered and Metal Lined Caskets. Safety Boxes, Burial Robes and Wrappers, Natural Dried Flowers.
Ask your grocer for
MONNINGS COFFEES, SPICES, MUSTARD,
WHITE FAWN BAKING POWDER, and
FULL ROLLER CREAM FLOUR,
And then vou will be pleased.
C. C. GUMPER, CONFECTIONER AND BAKER.
Ice Cream, Soda Water, Cakes, Pies, and Jellies No. 238 Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, Dad.
HEADQUARTERS FOR
* TEAS AND COFFEES *
AT
102 Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, Ind.
W, T. Peckham, Manager. Branch store Union Pacific Tea Co., of New York City, N. Y.
J. C. PELTIER, UNDERTAKER AND ENBALMER,
Telaphone 25. Office open day and night N(X 17 West Wayne St.
W. D. HENDERSON,
— Dealer in —
HAY, STRAW, GRAIN & MILL FEED.
Telephone 144. No. 69 East Columbia St.
8LEMON & BRO.,
BOOKSELLERS.
Wall Paper. Window Shades. School Books at lowest pricos. 50 Calhoun Street.