Wheeling Register

Benwood Lutheran Church Was Rededicated With Appropriate Services Yesterday.

The seating capacity of St. Matthew's Church at Benwood, was taxed to the utmost during yesterday's dedicatory services. Members and friends from Benwood, Wheeling and Martin's Ferry, Ohio, attended in large numbers, eager to witness the impressive ceremonies and ever ready to admire the grand improvements wrought during the last month.

The pastor, Rev. P. G. Metzenthin, officiated at both services. In the forenoon he preached on Genesis xxviii. 17: "This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." The full morning service was used, supplemented by appropriate music, rendered by the choir.

Members of the choir and Sunday school rendered a special programme in the evening, consisting principally of the full vesper service, the beauty of which was yet enhanced by the introduction of spirited hymns. The pastor again addressed the congregation. He had naught to offer but praise and prayer. He thanked all the members and friends for the sacrifices they had made in behalf of the church.

The ten new art windows and the decorations of the ceiling and altar are the source of particularly great pride to pastor and people. The whole edifice, however, and especially the interior, present a very creditable appearance. The striking feature about it is the churchliness of the arrangement and the harmony of colorings.

Messrs. Oscar Schad and Edward Hepe had very artistically decorated the church with flowers and plants.

Nearly all the necessary funds have already been raised. The Ladies' Aid Society, Mrs. H. W. Schrebe, president, has been commendably active. Messrs. Chas. Schad, Chas. Seabright and Rev. Metzenthin have been a very efficient committee, soliciting contributions outside of the congregation. The members of St. Matthew's Church are unanimously of the opinion that they have not indeed the largest nor yet an excessively expensive edifice, but one of the neatest and most satisfactory church houses in the city.