From the pulpit to the altar

Connersville News, 1908

LARGEST FUNERAL PERHAPS EVER HELD

In village of Alquina was that of Frank Bruner -- Church was filled.

The funeral of Frank Bruner, which was held at the M.E. Church at Alquina at ten o'clock yesterday morning, was perhaps the most largely attended funeral ever held at that village.

The church was filled to its utmost capacity and many were unable to get inside the doors. Rev. Floyd preached the sermon, which was one of consolation and comfort to those who were sorely afflicted by Mr. Bruner's death.

The church was adorned with a profusion of beautiful flowers. Interment was made in the Union cemetery at Lyons Station. Services were under the auspices of the G.A.R of which a large delegation attended.

"SINNER BILL" IS IN LAW'S CLUTCHES

William Rariden of Laurel Held for Chicken Theft

"Sinner Bill" Rariden of Laurel has come to grief. He is now in jail at Brookville where he was taken Saturday on a bench warrant after an indictment against him for stealing chickens in Blooming Grove.

Bill is still a young man but if there is anyone that has shown repentance for his sins when revivals were in progress oftener than he, let him speak out and show his record.

In it because he so often in public proclaimed his own unworthiness that he has earned the title of "Sinner Bill." He has an eloquence that is quite remarkable when under the influences of an awakened conscience and it is said that in these talks he has led others to turn into the straight and narrow path that they have continued to follow the trail while poor Bill was liable to sidestep the very day after giving voice to his exhortation at the sight of a tin beer sign or card announcing free lunch.

Many complaints have come of chickens disappearing in the Blooming Grove neighborhood and it is said the evidence is quite conclusive that some of them went away with Sinner Bill.