The music was rendered by the choir of the Second Presbyterian Church, under the direction of Prof. J. M. Hammond. Mr. F. W. Baumer officiated as organist. Ministers of a number of Protestant churches in the city were present and occupied seats upon the platform. Among them were Rev. Dr. R. R. Swope, Rev. Dr. A. B. Riker, Rev. A. J. Irey, Rev. Dr. D. A. Cunningham, Rev. C. M. Alford, and Rev. Dr. W. H. Cooke.

The exercises were opened with the singing of a hymn by the choir, Mrs. Kate Michael Fitzgerald rendering the solo part in an effective manner. Then hymn No. 173 in the Rescue Hymnal was sung by the audience and choir. Hon. N. B. Scott was selected as chairman of the meeting, and Rev. Dr. Riker was called upon to open the exercises with prayer. He led in a fervent invocation. Prof. Ricardo Ricci sang with splendid effect "Jesus Standing," his rich bass voice filling the commodious edifice.

Then Mr. W. L. Hearne stepped forward and made a short address. "As some of my friends are aware," he said, "I have long felt that something ought to be done for the uplifting of the masses of our people at home." He said he had always been willing to lend a helping hand to any missionary enterprise. Thousands of dollars were annually sent out from the city for foreign missionary work. He thought there was a good field for earnest hard labor right at home. The old Evangelistic Hall he regarded as not a proper place, as it was dark and small. The present Tabernacle would be non-sectarian and people of all denominations will be welcome. He took the step after mature deliberation, and hoped it would be the means of helping his fellow-man. Mr. Hearne's voice trembled with emotion when he said, "If the Tabernacle accomplishes the work for which it was intended, I would rather be the founder of this institution than the founder of a dynasty or kingdom." Mr. Hearne was unable to proceed farther, and after pointing to the motto, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds," he excused himself and took his seat.

Mr. Wm. H. Hearne was called upon and spoke briefly of the work. he stated his father's reasons for starting the institution, and stated that he had a helpmate in all his plans, a loving wife and fond mother, who took an interest in the project from the time it was first suggested. He closed by expressing the hope that the

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Thanks to Carol Ealey for transcribing this page.