To Raise Their Debt

TO RAISE THEIR DEBT.

The Congregational Church Endeavoring to Extinguish It.

At the annual meeting at the First Congregational church for the election of two trustees last evening, Messrs. Biggs and Travis whose terms expired were re-elected for the ensuing three years. The treasurer and trustees read their reports. A general improvement in the financial affairs of the church was mentioned, among other items a decrease of the indebtedness of the church of over $200 between Jan 1, 1898 and Jan. 1, 1899. After partaking of an excellent supper provided by the ladies of the church and the inner man was sufficiently appeased, Mr. Schairer on behalf of the trustees considered it an opportune time to arouse the patriotic natures of those present which could not be better displayed than by then and there, to extinguish the entire indebtedness of the church. Five hundred dollars was all that was needed to accomplish h. A few happy remarks were made by a number of members after which slips were handed around and $311 were donated upon condition that the balance shall be raised within 30 days. A committee was selected to call on those who were absent from the meeting and who did not have an opportunity to donate their share.

The committee respectfully request the members of the church and those of the congregation who are interested in this laudable effort to kindly call on Edward H. Waples, president of this committee, to pay such a portion of this deficit as they may be able and save the committee a very arduous labor. The committee will surely appreciate this favor. Mr. Waples has his office in the building over the Farmers & Mechanics Bank.