Paradise Society News for February 1924

February 6, 1924

Literary Society at Paradise

Splendid Program at Home of Col. And Mrs. C. E. Bent. Much Interest in Evangelistic Service – Special Sunday Services

The Paradise Literary Society met on the evening of Feb. 2nd at the home of Col. and Mrs. C.E. Bent. A large number were in attendance and enjoyed exceedingly the programme which was chiefly patriotic in character.

The President, Mr. H. A. Longley, in a few introductory remarks, spoke of the early days of military service and traced the development of the spirit of service in the life of a country. He also referred to the different kinds of patriotism and suggested the need for the cultivation of true patriotism.

The Paradise Male Quartette was present and gave several much appreciated selections. A paper entitled “Canada and Her National Debt,” was given by Mr. Reginald Longley. Mr. Longley has given much time and study to the subject of Canada’s difficulties and possibilities and was able very decidedly to make his listeners sit up and take notice as he presented to them a long list of facts and figures.

Another paper of the evening was given by Mrs. W. Steadman Smith – title: “My Country’s Need and Mine”. Mrs. Smith pictured the need for universal spirit of friendliness and on the life of the individual in the home.

The beautiful poem, “Canada’s Song” was red by Mrs. Arthur Phinney. Delightful music was given by Mrs. M. E. Cutten, who played and sang several solos and by Mrs. C. E. Bent who sang a duet with Mr. Arthur Phinney.

Col. Bent closed the program with a speech of appreciation referring to the character of the entertainment and to the advantages derived from such gatherings. A very cordial welcome of friendship was extended by him to all present, after which he and Mrs. Bent led in hearty sing-song with Mrs. Cutten at the piano.

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The Friday evening Evangelistic service was attended by over one hundred, a large number of whom were children and young people. Several songs were sung by the school children. “Love Lifted Me”, being a special favorite. A large delegation was present from W. Paradise. Mr. Herman Spinney, the music director, of the services, is proving himself a every efficient leaded of the young life.

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The Sunday evening service Feb. 3rd was of a special character. The Auditorium was well filled having particularly large delegation from West Paradise and also having many of our Methodist friends in attendance. The sermon of the evening was delivered by Rev. W.H. Rackham of Lawrencetown. In keeping with the spirit of the Evangelistic services, Mr. Rackham preached from the text Matt. 9:9, subject “Follow Me” and He Arose and Followed Him”. The two words “Follow Me” as they were spoken by the Christ to Matthew in whose early missionary days were also spoken through this sermon to each heart present. The sermon was a most impressive one.

The Paradise Church Choir sang the anthem “Now the Night is Over”. At the close of the sermon Mr. Rackham sang, the story of “The Prodical” who went “Back to His Father and Home”.

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After spending several months at home with relatives and friends Miss Annie Jackson left Paradise Feb. 2nd for Saskatchewan. Miss Jackson’s beautiful soprano voice made the more enjoyable a number of our community entertainments during the Summer. All join in wishing her much blessing and profit as she returns to her life and work in the West.

Mrs. M.E. Cutten, of Pugwash, has been enjoying a mid-Winter visit in Paradise with her daughter, Mrs. C. E. Bent.

Miss Alice Ingles, of Tupperville, was the guest lately of Miss Helen Starratt.

Mr. Sheerer, Miss Beatrice and Harry, are spending Mr. Sheerer’s birthday with friends at Hampton.

Mr. Murray Elliott left Paradise Feb. 2nd for Plympton Station, where he will teach for the remainder of the year.

Mr. Kenneth Skinner, of Boston, is visiting his sister, Mrs. E.K. Brooks.

Source: The Weekly Monitor: Vol. LI, No.45. Published in Bridgetown, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia

Feburary 13 , 1924

Perished a Mile from His Home

Sad Fate of Rev. W.S. Mercer When Caught in a Snow Storm In Newfoundland – Widow, Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.S. Longley

This community was shocked and saddened last week when a daughter of Paradise, now residing in Newfoundland, revealed the sad fact that her husband had perished in a snow storm. Mrs. Mercer is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.S. Longley, of this place. She became the wife of Rev. W.S. Mercer less than two years ago. Mr. Mercer has been stationed at Fogo, Nfld., where he had charge of the Methodist cause on the Island. Returning Monday, Feb. 4th, from one of his churches, where he had spent the Sunday before, Mr. Mercer was caught in a snow storm. The severity of the storm made it impossible to keep the trail and with strength spent, for the trip was a twelve mile one across the Island, Mr. Mercer was obliged to give up the fight for life when only a mile from his home. His parents in the West, as well as the young widow and baby daughter, in their loneliness and isolation of a Newfoundland Winter, have our deepest sympathy and daily prayers in this, their hour of great need.

Evangelistic services all this week. The meetings are permeated with spiritual power and blessing. Large congregations attended both services on Sunday, Feb. 10th. Sermon of the morning was preached by Mr. Herman A. Spinney, of St. John, from the text Luke 24:36, subject “The Devine Visitation,” and in the evening by Rev. W. Steadman Smith, text Exodus 32:34, subject “The Golden Calf”. Both services were much appreciated.

Seldom has the Paradise Male Quartette sung better than on Sunday when as part of the evening service they so beautifully rendered the selections “Jesus Love of My Soul” and “Where Will You Spend Eternity”.

The Literary Society will meet this week at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H.P. Layte.

Miss Mary Varner, of Nictaux, is the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Ritcey.

After a month’s vacation and rest Miss Minnie Sproule returned Feb. 9th to her work in St. John.

Miss Emma Sproule has been housed for over two weeks with a heavy cold.

Mrs. L. W. Elliott, of Clarence, has been visiting for a few days at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Vernon Morse.

Mr. Ewart Longley, of Acadia, is spending a week at the home of his mother, Mrs. Israel Longley.

Miss Rowena Morse is enjoying a several weeks’ rest at her home here.

Mrs. Emma Hines is visiting with Mrs. Mattie Jackson.

Mrs. Bessie Hamilton, of Berwick, is making a visit at the home and bedside of her brother, Mr. Worthylake. Mr. Worthylake does not improve in health.

Miss Annie Jackson, who left Paradise Feb. 2nd for Saskatchewan was married in Winnipeg Feb. 6th to Dr. Ross Turner, of Invermay, Sask. The marriage ceremony took place in Holy Trinity Church, Winnipeg. Friends here unite with relatives in wishing Mrs. Turner much joy and blessing in her new life.

Source: The Weekly Monitor: Vol. LI, No.46. Published in Bridgetown, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia

February 20, 1924

Societies Active At Paradise

Pleasant Meeting Women’s Institute – Literary Society Has Fine Programme – Personal Items

The Women’s Institute met Thursday, Feb. 14th, at the home of Mrs. Clarence W. Durling. Valentine decorations and favors added a very pleasing atmosphere to the programme. Music was provided by Mrs. Cutten, Mrs. Bent, Miss Boss, Miss Bessie Durling and Mrs. Ritchie Elliott. A Valentine poem was read by Mrs. J. Carey Phinney. Refreshments were provided by the hostess and entertaining committee.

The Paradise Literary Society met Saturday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H.P. Layte. The program featured both Valentine and Leap Year suggestions. A paper on “The History of Leap Year” was read by Mrs. Frank Balcom. Readings were given by Miss Leola Banks and Mrs. Robie Leonard. Music was provided by the Paradise Male Quartette, also by Miss Florence Jackson and Miss Marjorie Morse, with the ukelele accompaniment played by Miss Morse. Mr. H.A. Longley’s comic solos interspersed throughout the program added a very vivid touch of interest as also did the speech on “Humor” given by Col. C.E. Bent. Another amusing feature of the evening was a dialogue given by six young ladies and six young gentlemen, entitled: “Why I never Married”. The program finished with a singing song. A large number were present, all enjoying very much the good time provided.

Evangelistic services all this week. Mr. George Briden, ministerial student at Acadia, was the guest of the parsonage, Feb. 15th and 16th, en route to Hebron, Yarmouth Co., where he preached Sunday, Feb. 17th. Mr. Briden not only enjoyed the Evangelistic services here Friday evening but being a singer himself was able to assist Mr. Spinney in both song service and the special music.

Rev. and Mrs. W.H. Robinson are visiting in Digby where they will spend a couple of months.

Mr. Charles Longley, of Acadia, spent a couple of days at his home here, taking advantage of the holiday provided by the victory of Acadia’s hockey team.

Mr. S.S. Ruggles, electrician, of Halifax, after spending a week at home with his family, is again in Paradise wiring houses.

Mr. Edwin Lilly spent several days in Halifax lately.

Several of our young men are taking advantage this week of the Short Course in Agriculture now being given at Lawrencetown.

With the electric light line about completed and a number of houses wired and waiting for the illumination, we believe there are not only brighter days ahead but brighter nights, as well, in store for the people of Paradise. We find ourselves saying “Our lot is cast in a pleasant place and we have a goodly heritage”. Were we to count our blessings at this time, we should readily include the new railroad station of last Summer, school house repairs, the new electric light line, no epidemic as yet of measles or (one or two words not legible) and greatest of all, the (word not legible) spiritual life of the community (word not legible) about by the present Evangelistic services.

Source: The Weekly Monitor: Vol. LI, No.47. Published in Bridgetown, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia

February 27, 1924

No society column for Paradise in this issue.

Source: The Weekly Monitor: Vol. LI, No.48. Published in Bridgetown, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia