190 A HALF CENTURY. 



it is almost a quarter of a century since I united with the South 

 Church." 



Col. Homer B. Sprague, once principal of our State Normal 

 School, sends kindly greetings from across the continent, dated 

 from the University of California: 



" On behalf of Mrs. Sprague and myself, I heartily thank you for 

 the invitation we have received and we greatly regret that the breadth 

 of a continent intervening will necessarily prevent our being present 



on this most interesting occasion Heartfelt wishes for the 



continued prosperity of this efficient branch of the great Church of 

 Christ, with which are connected in my mind many hallowed and 

 tender memories." 



Prof. Henry B. Buckham writes a genial note from Fayette- 

 ville, North Carolina: 



"I am sure I should meet many old friends, and it would do me 

 good to see their faces and to hear their voices. But I cannot come, 

 andean only send greeting and hearty good will to all, -with the prayer 

 that grace, mercy, and peace maybe with all. Mrs. Buckham joins 

 me in this." 



The Rev. Henry E. Hart, of Franklin, Conn., speaks heartily 

 of his former relations with Dr. Goodell: 



" Your anniversary suggests to me so much. It covers some of 

 my tenderest and most delightful experiences. Dr. Goodell married 

 us. A package of letters, written by him during the perplexities of 

 my first revival season, is somewhere among my treasures. His en- 

 couragement got me on my feet before the first State conference. His 

 patience and self-control have been to me a wonder and a thing de- 

 serving imitation A church anniversary covers so much. 



Fifty years of ministerial and church w^ork! .... May the Di- 

 vine blessing be on the dear South Church and all its people." 



The Rev. William A. Lamb, of Newton, Mass., who went 

 out from his work here to enter the Christian ministry, says: 



"The South Church has been my Alma Mater in spiritual life. 

 Gladly would I add many leaves to her wreath of glory. Should I not 

 be permitted to be with you, I certainly shall be in spirit and in w^arm 

 love." 



