Church Unity

Lansing, Jnly 31, 1897. Thero was quite a notable service here last Sunday ïiijjht - notable because of those who luid part in it. It was a fraternal farewell service to Dr. O'Dell, the retiring pastor of First Baptist Clmrch, and was au expression of the harmony subsisting between the cburcbes of the capitol city of Michigan wliich makes possible a ministerial association at whose weekly meetings are assembled not only the pastors of the evangelical churcbes, but the pastor of the Universalist church as well ; and not only the pastors of these Protestant churches, but with them the pastor of the Roman Catholic church, also. And so, to send Dr. O'Dell away with the unauimous God speed of all bis clerical brethren, a service was arranged in whicb all these should particípate, meeting as common brethreu and diaciples of one Lord, captains of different corps in one army, coming togetber on one ptatforrn to join in one chorus of thankagiving for the Doctor's work here, and of coinmendation to bis uew fleld in Illinois. I believe Fatber Slattery did not actually appear, having been unexpectedly detaiued; but lie bad engaged to come, and does join with the Protestant clergy in common observances and deliberations. Addresses were made, feeling and felicitous, by Rev. F. G. Cadwell of First Presbyterian church. Rev. E. B. Allen of Pilgrim Congregational church, Rev. Charles Legal of Church of Our Father (Universalist), and Rev. F. L. Thompson of Central Methodist church. Dr. O'Dell goesto Joliet, with a record here forhistwoyears' labor, of a church lifted out of despondency and decadence to prosperity ; 160 members added, one half of those by baptism; $37,000 indebtedness reduced to $14,600; with harmony both internal and external where there had been some painful lack of it. Their new church is one of great beauty- quite the finest, I think in the city. It is built on the combination plan, and the capacity of the auditorium, increased by the sliding doors, is the greatest of any. The baptisiry is a circular basiu, uncovered ; and above it is a circular balcony designed to be used as a pulpit when all parts of the house are thrown open. Dr. O'Dell, however, when I heard hini, coutented himself with pacing up and down the spacious platform. Mr. Thompsou is reputed a preacher of power and influence in liis denoniination. A feature I noted in bis service was that the business advertisements are not read by the pastor, but a young man announces the socials and excursions and picnics from the floor, and hen the pastor annouuces the religious services from the platform. Mr. Allen, of Pilgrim Congregational, s a youug man of great promise, who vill be heard from in larger fields, though he will probably stay here until he builds anew house for his flock, who now worship in an uncomfortable and unattractive old school house. I was struck with the happy phrase in wliich he announced the taking of the contribution, at his service - ''Let us worship God with our gifts." That is the church of which Mr. Aldrich, now of Ypsilanti, was once pastor. Plymouth Congregational, Rev. C. F. Swift, pastor, now absent on vacation, and First Presbyterian hold union services during July and August, alternating between the churches, and the pastors relieviug each other, which is thought to be a pretty good arrangement. Mr. Cadwell is exceedingly popular as a preacher, not only among his own people bat with other coiigregations who hear him. The denorninations are pretty well represented here, beside those nientioned there being Protestant Episcopal, two branches of Germau Lutheran Seventh Day Adventist, Mormon, Germán and African M. E., Spiritualist aud Christian Science, Salvation Anny and Y. AV. C. A., all of whom have regular services. The A. M. E. are holding a camp meeting in a park np the river, and among other attractions announce the "cyclone preacher, Masterson from Battle Creek, with iron lungs, can be heard for miles ;" also on Sunday, along with "the Sweet Singer of Israel," and incongruous "feast of barbecue hog."