Oakland Sabbath-School Reunion.
THURSDAY evening, Jan. 1, was the occasion of the annual reunion of the Oakland church and Sabbath-school. The church was well represented, and neighboring friends coming in filled our church building to its utmost seating capacity. It would be impossible to do justice to the exercises, for it was the universal verdict that no better ones have ever been held in Oakland; indeed, all seemed to think that they had never anywhere attended any more pleasing entertainment. Aside from the singing, it was a Bible exercise throughout. An interesting feature was an outline of Biblical history, beginning with creation, and ending with redemption, and a description of the glories of the new earth. Questions were asked by various ones in the congregation, and the answers, given in exact Bible language, formed the outline. This exercise served as a review for all the divisions. Another impressive exercise was the formation of a cross, the different sections bearing the names of the graces enumerated by Peter in the first chapter of his second epistle. On the broad foundation of Repentance, which was laid by the assistant superintendent, eight young men laid in succession Faith, Virtue, Knowledge, Temperance, Patience, Godliness, Brotherly Kindness, and Charity. As each section was laid, an appropriate selection of Scripture was recited, and the exercise was closed with the apostle's words found in 2 Pet. 1: 8-11. Next came the bringing in of the sheaves, while the choir sang "Bringing in the Sheaves," the words having been written for the occasion, twenty-four little boys and girls, representing the classes of the Senior Division, and the Primary Divisions, came in, each bearing a sheaf. To each sheaf was attached an envelope containing the contribution of the class or division which was represented by the bearer. As the children handed in their offerings, each one recited an appropriate verse. The total amount of offerings was $259.40. We can truly say that we have seldom listened to a sermon which contained so much instruction as did the evening's entertainment. Indeed, it contained several sermons. It was a happy occasion for every one present, and we believe that angels must have rejoiced at the sight. Impressions were made that will, we believe, bear fruit in eternity. The report of the secretary showed that the Sabbath-school is in a prosperous condition. We give a few items from her report. One year ago the school numbered 174; the membership is now 276, showing an increase of 102 during the year. The class contributions during the year amounted to $374.83; total receipts for 1884, $657.58. The expenditures were $585.16, leaving $72.42 now in the treasury. There are 200 volumes in the library, and the school uses 300 Instructors. The school has been a means of bringing many into the church, and a missionary spirit is manifested quite generally by teachers and pupils. There seems to be a greater interest in the work than ever before, and we believe that during the present year God will abundantly bless the Oakland church through its school.