Unitarian Church Banquet

UNITARIAN CHURCH BANQUET

The Annual Banquet Held Friday Evening

A BRILLIANT AFFAIR

The Speeches Were Full of Wit of Humor - Covers Were Laid for 125

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The annual banquet of the Unitarian church was held Friday evening and was a brilliant affair. The members of the church began to gather at 5:30 and a very pleasant social hour was spent in the parlors of the church before the banquet was served. The guests were led to the dining rooms below by Dr. Crooker and Mrs. Caroline Bartlett-Crane, of Kalamazoo. Two long banquet tables were spread in the dining room, covers being laid for 125. The decorations were in red and white. Great bouquets of American Beauty roses tending to make the tables more beautiful. Silver candelabra with red candles and dishes of bonbons further beautified the table. Festoons of red and white crepe paper were hung between the pillars.

An elaborate and delicious menu was enjoyed by the guests after which the amiable toastmaster, Alfred White, introduced the various speakers in an inimitable way. His fund of amusing anecdotes was inexhaustible.

Mrs. Pettee was the first one called upon and she responded to a toast on "The Ladies' Union." She had arranged her speech in rhyme and it was very clever and most amusing.

Dr. Pollock was next called upon and toasted the Sunday school. He said that the chief aim of the officers of the Sunday school was to see to it that pupils would not be toasted hereafter.

Miss Lillian Hillman spoke for the King's Daughters society and told very interestingly of the work of that organization and the plans for the coming year.

Dr. Holmes followed and kept the guests convulsed with laughter throughout his speec His subject was "Pumpkin Pie." He made the claim that pie, the favorite American dish, had been the greatest pactor toward the civilization of the world. His argument was convincing and was full of humor which reminded one of Mark Twain. After this toast the choir sang a number which was greatly enjoyed.

The next toast, on "Differences," was responded to by Mrs. Ford. She contrasted the east and the west, Harvard with Michigan. She said that people in the east were pointing out with pride the homes of the great men of the past while we in the west were pointing out the homes of men who were doing great things for their country in the present day.

Mr. Overpack toasted the Young People's Religious Union and told of its growth and prosperity.

Dr. Lombard made a most witty response to the toast "The Building Materials of the Church." His speech was full of amusing anecdotes and timely jokes.

At this time the choir sang another selection.

Mrs. Motley represented the Ladies' society of the church and on their behalf presented the church treasurer with $200 in crisp new bills. Her presentation speech was a very clever rhyme and in it she urged the men of the church to hustle as the women had and in short time the church would be entirely free from debt.

Prof. Pettee represented the board of trustees and spoke very brilliantly and amusingly of the affairs of the church and told the members of the church of the recent honors which have been bestowed upon the pastor, Dr. Crooker, and of which we speak in another part of the paper.

Mrs. Caroline Bartlett-Crane congratulated the members and said "Whatever honors your pastor honors you." Her speech was bright and was received with great approbation by the church members present.

The banquet as a whole was one of the most brilliant ever given in this city. The toasts were each sprakling with wit and humor and the best of feeling prevailed. Mr. Crooker concluded the program by thinking the people for their generous support and willing helpfulness.