Democratic Sentinel, Volume 3, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 June 1879 — EXTRACTS FROM MISS EVANS’ HISTORY. [ARTICLE]

EXTRACTS FROM MISS EVANS’ HISTORY.

Before Lewistown charge was made a station, about the year 1823, under the pastorate of Rev. Thomas McGee, the first M. E. Sunday School of Lewistown was organized in theold Methodist church on Third street, which was built in 1815. Two sessions were held each Sunday, with an early morning prayer meet ing. The iirst superintendent, as near as can be discovered, was Mr. Russell Brooks—s 6 years ago. We regret the golden anniversary or semi-centenary of this school should have passed without a special celebration. From that time on there h-ts been a steady growth and interest in the school. In 1829 the number of scholars in the school was 100, the superintendent being Mr. Joseph Matthews. The assistant was always one of the ladies of the school, and they did their work well. The number of books in the library was 130. In 1830 tne increase in scholars was 60. In 1831 they numbered 212. four of whom, Mr. Willis McCord, Mr. James Smithers Mrs. Stoneroad and Margaret Blake are in the school to-day. In this year the school’was removed from the old church to the new, and at that time a very pleasant Sunday School room in the basement of this church, built during the year. * * In 1832 they numbered 256—in the three years 156 being added to the school. On Sunday, January 20,1833, a lit tie boy wended his way to the Sunday School As he stood outside the door, no doubt attracted there by some of the exercises of the school, a lady teacher saw him, went out and invited ami brought him in. That boy was Bishop -Wiley, and the teacher Mrs. Stoner. Teacher, Christian, go thou into highways and hedges and not only invite but bring them in.— The blossom cannot tell wheie its odor goes,, and no-one can tell what becomes of his or her influence and example. The wise man placcth the stock or his gun to his shoulder before he fireth, but the fool looketh down the barrel to see the ball start, Bishop I. W. Wiley ailed from New xoric week before last for Europe.