THE WAUPACA REPUBLICAN

February 11, 1875

 

CHURCH DEDICATION

A Successful Ending to a Great Undertaking.

A Debt of Over Four Thousand Dollars Paid.

How that Great Solicitor, Brother Johnathon Couch, did it.

 

            The greatest enterprise ever undertaken by a Waupaca association was consummated yesterday, in the dedication of the new Methodist church.  When, less than a year ago, the Society first began to talk of a new six thousand dollar building, it seemed as if they were undertaking a hopeless task.  The old church was sold, a plan for a new one procured from Mr. Waters, of Oshkosh, and the subscription paper was started.  The work on the building was begun April 1^st, and kept up without intermission until it was completed two weeks ago.  To tell of all the plans that were adopted to make money, and to give a full history of this enterprise, would occupy columns. It has been a big job, and the church stands today a monument to the enterprise of a plucky and determined body of men and women and to the liberal assistance of outside parties.

            The great day that was to end the struggle finally came, yesterday.  Rev. H. Stone Richardson, of Madison, came and preached the dedication sermon.  His effort gave unmistakable satisfaction, and was just the sermon for the occasion.  Mr. Richardson is a graceful speaker, a man of fine physique, and has a full, pleasant voice.  His sermon struck home to his hearers with telling effect.

            Then Rev. D. W. Couch, the irrepressible Yankee, the original Brother Johnathon, took the stand and announced that the audience had a sermon to preach.  That there was a debt on the church of four thousand dollars which had to be raised, that the building might be made a “free offering unto the Lord”.  Nobody expected that one-half of the amount would be contributed, but Brother Couch went for their feelings in a way that they could not resist.  First, the Ladies’ Society signed $1,000.  Then Winfield Scott came down with $300.  Mrs. R. R. Roberts added $200 to the list, and then the $100 bids were taken.  Ten of those were captured, and then Couch said he wanted a few fifties.  He got twelve of them.  Then twenty-fives, and he got eight or ten of those, and then tens and fives enough to make for the total morning collection,

$3,330,

when the audience was given a recess for dinner, and an invitation to come back in the evening and hear Couch preach.

            In the evening the audience room was packed full, and Mr. Couch gave a very spirited sermon, after which the work of canvassing was again taken up, and the balance of the debt, $670, was pledged.  Some of the amounts assumed will be heavy loads for the parties taking them.  But we suppose they have a faith that they will be strengthened by giving, and that they are making good investments.  The church was declared out of debt, and the dedicatory exercise was performed by Mr. Alley, the pastor.  It was quite late when the services closed, and everybody went home tired out.