THE SOUTH CHURCH. 133 



SUNDAY-SCHOOL SERVICE. 



This service was held in the main audience room of the 

 church immediately after the morning worship, the three de- 

 partments of the Sunday-school uniting together. After the 

 Juhilate Deo by the choir, prayer was offered by Deacon David N. 

 Camp. 



The'following historical papers or addresses were then given- 

 in the order named: 



FACTS AND FIGURES FOR FIFTY YEARS. 

 Deacon John Wiard, Superintendent of the School. 



When the godly company of one hundred and twenty men and 

 women who formed this South Church fifty years ago would lay 

 well the foundations for its future growth and spiritual success, I 

 believe they acted wisely and under the divine guidance, when, only 

 four days after the church was organized and before any other busi- 

 ness was transacted, they met and instituted this Sunday-school. The 

 entire management of the school, including the annual appointment of 

 its officers, has continued under the control of the church to the present 

 time. 



Eleven persons have received the appointment of superintendent and 

 have served as follows: David N. Camp, John B. Talcott, George D. 

 Rand, and Isaac N. Carleton, each one year; Horatio Waldo and Hu- 

 bert F. North, each two years; Ozias B. Bassett and Henry C. Bowers, 

 each four years; Lucius Woodruff, five years; Orson H. Seymour, six 

 years; John Wiard, twenty -three and one-half years. The growth of 

 the school has been continnous, and the membership, by decades, has 

 been as follows: 1842, 130; 1852, 175; 1862, 213; 1872, 649; 1882, 975; 

 1892, 1,348, including the home department. 



Some years ago the question of organizing branch or mission schools 

 was discussed by our people, but inasmuch as our parish territory is 

 not large, it was decided better to concentrate our efforts upon one 

 time and place, and unite all classes and ages in one organization and 

 under one roof. No questionable means or devices have ever been 

 adopted to increase our membership. Other and much more satisfac- 

 tory reasons can be given for the results attained, some of which I will 

 mention and others will be referred to by those who follow me. 



All four of the pastors who have served the church have been 

 thoroughly interested and efficient helpers in our work. May 9, 1869, 



