1875: The Groveville Methodist Church

Long before the advent of the personal computer, I was diligently going through the pages of my newspaper collection and transcribing the more interesting historical material and saving it on an old IBM word processor which used those 8 inch floppy disks. I compiled it in a word processor format we all know as "rtf." The reason? Many word processors do not recognize files which are saved in Microsoft Word "doc" format. My rtf files can be accessed by Macs, and most other non Microsoft software. Following is the first post of many more to come on many different local subjects.

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1875
LOCAL DIGNITARIES AT GROVEVILLE

One of the most successful and interesting Sunday School occasions that we have attended came off at Groveville, on Sunday afternoon and evening. The Methodist Church in that place was most profusely decorated for the occasion. The largest bouquets and wreaths we ever saw were there in great abundance. The walls were literally covered with festoons of evergreens and flowers, gotten up by the ladies, who, it appears, are the moving spirits in all great enterprises in that community. On the south side of the church was the motto, "Our Country's Hope," encircled in a wreath, and on the south side the motto, "Higher and Higher." Besides there were other suitable mottoes and devices.
Rev. Mr. Matthews, the pastor of the church, Rev. Mr. Case, pastor of the Baptist church at Hamilton Square, Joseph H. Woodruff and F. S. Mills, of Trenton, were present. Mr. William Burk, the Superintendent of the school, and Mr. Joseph Hill, Superintendent of Hamilton township, had the principal charge of the meeting.
The singing by the young ladies and gentlemen of the neighborhood was very fine, and would have done honor to Taylor Hall in the face of a crowded audience.
The house was crowded in every part, and the exercises were commenced about two o'clock. The pieces sung on the occasion were very appropriate, and rendered with a sort of electrifying effect. Speeches then followed by Mr. J. R. Woodruff, Mr. Mills, and Mr. Case, interspersed with some of the choicest music.
In the evening it was difficult to accommodate the audience. The most exciting and interesting scene was the appearance in the meeting of Mr. Bennett and Mr. Chambers, one 84 and the other 83 and a half years of age. These men had both filled the office of Superintendent of this school. They made thrilling addresses; both of the old men became animated themselves. Mr. Chambers stated that the Sunday School was originally organized by the former Mrs. George S. Green, and spoke in high terms of that lady's Christian labors.
Singing then followed by the choir. Miss Bennett, of Trenton, sang a most charming piece, called "Coming by and by."
Mr. Joseph H. Woodruff next addressed the meeting and was followed by Mr. Mills and Mr. Burk, the Superintendent.
It was a field day for the Sunday School workers at Groveville.
The village has grown recently. The factories there have been greatly improved and are now running with one hundred men.
Away from the public thoroughfare surrounded by a magnificent profusion of foliage, this is one of the most delightful places in the whole county of Mercer. The water power is grand and the soil luxuriant.