Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 156, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 July 1919 — THE COLUMBUS METHODIST CENTENARY MEETING. [ARTICLE]

THE COLUMBUS METHODIST CENTENARY MEETING.

(Mrs. E. W. Strecker.) Dear Mr. Hamilton: Our trip was uneventful, excepting that we made the trip of 285 miles from 5:50 a. m. until 9:20 p. m., having, used about an hour finding our location at 211 Dakota, aye-' nue, after reaching the city limits. We ipade an average of twenty miles per hour and came through on about fourteen gallons of gasoline. The centenary celebration of the Methodist church is the event in church history in the wdy of an exhibition of work to be accomplished and of work already done. Our first day on,the grounds was a delight in many ways. We met so many of our old friends, and heard our great political friend,. William Jennings Bryan. The ovation upon his entrance at the coliseum was an index of the people’s . appreciation of him. He was here for “Dry Day” address. He predicts the ratification by the U. S. senate of the peace treaty, including the league of nations. He praised and paid tribute to the church, especially the Methodist church, for its work toward the prohibition of the liquor traffic, and the work of the AntiSaloon league and the W. C. T. U., all of which received their share of honor for their service tending toward the victory we celebrate. He said that if he were to take a text, he would use: “They Are Dead That Sought the Young Child’s Life.” He said: “What a complete victory! We have nine states more than we needed, and the amendment was ratified in a little more than a seventh than was needed for its ratification. And no one. party can claim the credit for this victory. It was a triumph of the nation’s conscience.” Other addresses were given by Miss Anna Gordon and an Illinois senator. In one address the speaker declared that the fight against cigarette and coca cola would be the next attack. The $50,000 pipe organ produces music that is indescribable. The rainbow division band played several times yesterday, and also a colored mixed chorus sang several selections. About .fifty different entertainments, etc., are on at once, so one, must select what he most desires. The grandstand has a seating capacity of 50,000 and the coliseum 10,000. The pageant, “The Wayfarers” is said to be the finest thing presented, but as yet we have not been able to' secure tickets for it. Will write again.