Mr. Sands started his ministry here seven years ago and became well-known throughout the county and in New Brunswick because of a broadcast which he and his church people conducted each Sunday. He was the originator of the Gospel Echo broadcast which began six years ago with a group of 16 girls when the group first traveled to the Presque Isle station until facilities became available in their local Pentecostal church.
Since his coming, the Pentecostal parish has purchased and completely remodeled a parsonage and made many improvements in the church.
The church as well as the Sunday school has seen a marked increase in attendance and membership. Many children have been dedicated by the pastor and approximately 40 people have received baptism.
Mr. Sands has ordained six ministers. He has served as president of the Zion Evangelistic Fellowship and the full Gospel Ministreal Fellowship. He conducted services in the Lutheran, Baptist and Free Mission churches in New Sweden and in the Lutheran and Baptist churches in Stockholm.
Before coming to Washburn, Mr. Sands was engaged in Gospel Work and directed the choir and vocal music in a large church in Boston and also in Lynn.
Mr. and Mrs. Sands have one daughter, Cynthia, age five.
A reception was held by the church people in behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Sands and Cynthia. A radio was presented him by the broadcast group and a purse of money given to Mr. and Mrs. Sands. Approximately 150 people attended.
Murray Allen, Jr., introduced the program leaders. Scripture was read by Rev. Reuben Martin, pastor of the Conservative Baptist church, prayer was offered by Stanley Howe. Remarks were given by Rev. Bernard Patten, pastor of the Pentecostal church in Presque Isle, by Rev. J. Wesley Stuart, pastor of the First Baptist church, Mr. Martin, Rev. Vaughn Parks, of Caribou, Rev. Read Blackstone, pastor of the Dunntown Advent Christian Church. Two songs were sung by Rev. Reuben Martin, accompanied by Mrs. Leslie Brewer, Mrs. Arlene Sperry and Herbert Farley of Caribou sang solos. Wilmot Churchill concluded the program with prayer.
Congregation singing was led by Murray Allen, Jr., accompanied by Mrs. Margaret Harris. Refreshments were served by Mrs. Phyllis Allen, Miss Avis Pike, Miss Dorothy Churchill, Mrs. Eileen Sperry, and Mrs. Margaret Harris.