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Longmont Ledger The following notes
were received two (sic) late for the last issue: Sixteen
years ago, the residents of Highlandlake, finding going to Longmont to church
very irksome and at times impossible, organized a Congregational Church here,
and began holding meetings in the schoolhouse, where they might still have been
held but for the coming into their midst, a woman of courage and firm faith in
prayer. A year ago last fall, the pastor, Rev. Mary G.
Bumstead, went to Boston for her vacation and upon her return she announced the
fact that she had raised one thousand dollars toward a new church building for
the place. This gave zest and encouragement to a cause that had seemed
impossible, and more money was raised amounting to over twenty-six hundred
dollars. The building was completed last summer but lights, seats, stoves and an
organ must be bought and paid for. These have come by degrees and, through
generous gifts, have been added carpeting for the whole building, pulpit,
chairs, and pictures upon the walls. On Sunday morning,
April 25th, the church assembled to dedicate the building, entirely free from
debt. Though every heart rejoiced that the church was free from debt, it felt
the burden of the debt that rested upon the parsonage. But Miss Bumstead
dispelled that cloud by announcing that through the benevolence of Mrs. C. H.
Taintor of Chicago the parsonage is free from debt. Every heart in this
community throbs with gratitude toward Mrs. Taintor for her great gift and feels
that Providence has guided her hand in bestowing it.
The dedicatory service was beautiful and
impressive. Rev. Chas. N, Fitch of Denver giving a Bible
reading and Rev. W. W. Dumm of Greeley delivered a sermon on
"Christian Enthusiasm." At the evening services,
Deacon L. C. Mead gave an historical sketch of the church
since its organization, and talks were given by Rev. Fitch
and Rev. Dumm.
Mr. Dumm, observing that we had no bell, and
feeling the importance of one, quietly started a
subscription, heading the list with ten dollars from
Greeley. No collection was taken but by evening the free
will gifts amounted to fifty-seven dollars. |
