1840-01-16-Christian Observer-New Church Dedicated
New Church Dedicated
By Aldexander Porter, Christian Observer, v19 n3, Jan 16, 1840, p. 10
NEW CHURCH DEDICATED
Mr. Converse.—On New Year's day I dedicated a Church in Chester county, to the service of Almighty God. Although the day was intensely cold, yet there was a large and respectable audience, and the good attention which they gave to the services, evinced a deep interest which they felt on the occasion.
The church is a neat stone building, rough cast, and finished in modern style. It is situated on an eminence commmanding a beautiful prospect of the surrounding country, and will accommodate between four and five hundred people. It is called the "West Nantmeal Presbyterian Church," being situated in a township of the same name about thirty-five miles west of Philadelphia.
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I was quite surprised when I visited this place to learn that the Mormons had been 'operating' here for about nine months. They preach in school-houses, and also in private houses, if they can obtain admission. They have succeeded in baptising about 40 persons. Some of them were formerly connected with other churches, but most of them are very ignorant, and credulous, fit subjects for designing knaves, and ready to be carried about by every wind of doctrine.
It is truly surprising that in the nineteenth century, in a land of Bibles and general education, such men could obtain followers,—men who profess to work miracles, and to have received a new revelation from God, with all the ravings of 'Joe Smith.'
Their manner is to go from house to house to catch the simple and unwary, and to "lead silly women astray." Their want of education is supplied by impudence, and their lack of address by a bold denunciation of other denominations.
In such a place, surely a house of worship is much needed, and also the labors of a devoted minister of God. Of the labors of such a man the church here stands in much need at present.
- Yours, Respectfully,
- Alexander Porter.
- Yours, Respectfully,
