OUR LEGACY FROM THE PAST - NCCUMC

83
The text for the sermon was the 12th, 13th, and 14th verses of
the 166th Psalm: "What shall I render unto the Lord for all his
benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of my salvation, and
call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord
now in the presence of all His people."
For an hour and ten minutes, the congregation listened attentively
to a sermon filled with truth and love. It was a clear and forcible
presentation of the subject as believed by the great man
behind the pulpit. To attempt to comment upon the great sermon,
the writer would utterly fail to do it justice. It could only be appreciated
by hearing it as it fell from the lips of the man of God.
After the sermon, a collection was taken to raise money to
replace the cross on the steeple, which was blown down during a
recent storm, and also for a missionary offering. The amount
raised was about $70. The official board met around the chancel
where Dr. J. B. H. Knight read from the DISCIPLINE the usual
words in giving the edifice to the Lord: "We present you this
house, to be set apart from all unhallowed or common uses, for the
worship of almighty God." The Bishop responded in the language
prescribed in the DISCIPLINE, which is: "Forasmuch as God has
put into the hearts of His people to build this house for His worship,
and has blessed them in the undertaking, we solemnly
dedicate it to His service, for the reading and expounding of His
Holy Word, the administration of her ordinances, and for all other
acts of religious worship. That He may graciously accept this
labor of our hands, let us devoutly pray." The prayer was read by
the Bishop.
The congregation sang, "Come 0 Thou God of Grace," and
the service ended with the benediction by Dr. L. L. Nash. The
dedicatory service as conducted by the Bishop was indeed impressive
and appropriate and was thoroughly enjoyed by the large
audience. It was an occasion that will never be forgotten by those
present! "