preserve the record for easy reference, but will also convey a clearer conception of it than many words of description.

It was the gift of Deacon Henry H. Earl, who, inspired by his loyalty to the Central Church, and his desire that this part of its history should be preserved for future use and reference, had designed this memorial and by permission of the proper officials had erected the same at his own expense.

Pastor's report continued:

Mention should be made of the unusual success, this year, of the parish suppers and the entertainments planned in connection with them. The character of the entertainments and the attendance have been very gratifying to those in charge.

A comparison of the last three years with the eleven years just preceding them shows some interesting facts. During the eleven years from 1891 to 1902, the average additions were twenty-five; for the last three years, 1902-1905, thirty. For the eleven years, the average losses were fourteen; for the three years, twenty-eight, just double the number. The present total membership is five hundred and seventy-eight.

The Standing Committee has made a beginning in the revision of our roll by placing forty names on a Reserved List." These are people who have been, in one way or another, entirely lost to the Church. They are still technically members, and may be reinstated at any time; but their names will not be printed as members, nor counted in our total, nor permitted to swell pretensions or our responsibilities.

The revised" Parish Directory" to May 1, 1905, was completed and issued about the middle of June.

The spiritual interest has been marked and wholesome during the latter weeks of the church year (to April), both in the Bible schools and the Church at large. The results as seen in the members added and the applications for membership, justify us in feeling and expressing a genuine though not unqualified satisfaction.

Finally, we have every reason for keeping on with the work given us to do, with endeavor and prayer and faith and hope.

Celebration of the Semi-Centennial of Central Church November 16, 1892

Reference has already been made, in the preceding Annals, to the SEMI-CENTENNIAL of CENTRAL CHURCH, which was celebrated on November 13, 1892, - the Sabbath nearest to the anniversary date.

A copy is herewith inserted of the letter of invitation, the full program, and other papers, poems, letters, etc., giving added information, incidents, and sketches, alike useful and necessary to complete the picture of the past of Central Church, its pastors, its members, its activities, its social and spiritual life.

1842

[COPY OF CIRCULAR LETTER] CENTRAL CHURCH, FALL RIVER

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

SEMI-CENTENNIAL

1892

The Central Church of Fall River, Mass., completes FIFTY YEARS of its existence on the sixteenth day of November next, A.D. 1892.

They have been years of varied experience, of great spiritual growth to many souls, and of unwearied toil in many branches of christian labor and usefulness.

It is proposed to hold the day in remembrance by simple and appropriate services on the preceding Sabbath, November 13, 1892.

The program, as at present outlined, provides for a special sermon in the morning by the pastor, Rev. Wm. Walker Jubb; the reading of historical papers relating to the church, the home and the mission Sunday schools, in the afternoon; and brief addresses from former pastors and others, in the evening.

It will greatly add to the interest of the occasion to have a full attendance of all members, past and present, and you are cordially invited to make such arrangements as will secure your presence at these services.

In behalf of the Church,

Geo. O. Lathrop, Clerk.

[COPY OF PROGRAM]

1842-1892

SEMI-CENTENNIAL

OF THE

CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

FALL RIVER, MASS.

NOVEMBER THIRTEENTH, 1892

Order of Services

Held Sunday, November 13, 1892, in the Central Congregational Church, corner of Rock and Franklin streets, Fall River, Mass., in commemoration of the organization of the Church,

1842.

Morning Services

November 16,

VOLUNTARY

ANTHEM

Mr. LYMAN W. DEANE

Haydn

Gaul

This is the day, which the Lord hath made,
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Blessed is he that cometh, in the name of the Lord,
We have blessed you out of the house of the Lord.
God is the Lord which hath shewed us light:

Bind the sacrifice with cords, even to the horns of the altar.

LORD'S PRAYER.

CONGREGATION

HYMN 18

With joy we hail the sacred day,
Which God hath called his own;
With joy the summons we obey

To worship at his throne.

Warwick