It was announced that, by advice of his physician, Father Boehm would have to dispense with all congratulatory hand-shaking, a single exception, however, being made in favor of the mother of President Grant. The services were closed with the benediction, pronounced by Father Boehm.
Evening Reception.
From eight o’clock till ten, on the evening of the same day, the parlors of Father Boehm’s son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Emley, at 59 Wayne-street, Jersey City, were thronged with a goodly company of friends, who came to spend the last hours of the day with the venerable centenarian.
Among others, there were present Rev. Dr. J. S. Porter of Burlington, N. J.; Rev. Dr. D. W. Bartine and wife of Morristown; Rev. R. Vanhorne, Presiding Elder of the Jersey City District, and wife; Rev. John Atkinson, of the Trinity Church, and wife; Rev. J. L. G. M’Kown, of the Hedding Church, and wife and daughter; Rev. A. J. Palmer, of the Waverly Church, and wife; Mr. and Mrs. Dusenbury, Mr. and Mrs. J. O. Rouse, Mr. and Mrs. Hopping, Prof. Martin, David Taylor, Esq., H. N. Ege, Esq., S. Sterling, Esq., and Dr. Walter Haddon, Father Boehm’s physician.
They were most delightful hours, those two, and they will live long in the memory of the happy people present.
The “hero” of the hour was happy as his guests, and received their congratulations with thankfulness to God. His strength seemed remarkable, for he had participated in the prolonged services of the morning, yet seemed in no way weary till a late hour at night. After an hour’s conversation presentations were the order, and many beautiful mementos of the love of his friends were given to Father Boehm. The gift of his son-in-law was a magnificent marble clock. Several superb bouquets and baskets of flowers were presented to him by other friends. Dr. Porter, in behalf of his daughter, handed him a huge cake, elegantly frosted, and lettered “One Century,” saying that he (Dr. Porter) remembered that Father Boehm used to be fond of cake and cream when he was a visitor at his house many years ago. Then Dr. M’Kown, in a neat little speech, presented him with a picture, the “Rock of Ages,” from loving friends.
Perhaps the most unique souvenir of all was a chest of tea, containing four choice kinds of that commodity, and bearing in printed letters the inscription, “Father Boehm’s Centennial Tea,” which had been sent all the way from China as a present by Rev. S. L. Baldwin. Rev. A. J. Palmer read a letter from Brother Baldwin, which accompanied the tea, in which the writer expressed his pleasure in having been united for years with Father Boehm in conference relations, (both are members of the Newark Conference,) his congratulations, and his gratitude to God for the long and pure life with which the venerable Father had been blessed. This token of love from the other side of the world was highly appreciated, and a “drawing” of the tea was presented to each of the guests of the hour.
One year before that evening Dr. J. B. Wakeley had presented Father Boehm with a picture of Bishop Asbury, since which time the giver, who was a dear friend of the recipient, has “fallen asleep in Jesus.” So, with great fitness, Rev. J. Atkinson presented Father Boehm with an elegant portrait of Dr. Wakeley, which was received in silence, but with appreciation.
Thus with presents and congratulations the evening passed. When it was ten o’clock Father Boehm rose, and in a clear, full voice, sang a little German song which he had learned ninety-five years before from his German teacher, a Hessian soldier, whom Washington captured at Trenton. Then, last of all, when the hour of parting came, the venerable man of God pronounced the benediction upon the company ere they separated.
Thus ended the exercises, public and private, on the one hundredth anniversary of the birthday of the Rev. Henry Boehm.
The words oftenest upon his lips throughout the day were echoed by all, “The Lord be praised!”