Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-11-25
DEAN.
T IbtF
OF MIR. THEODORE J.
HOLMES, RICHMOND, VT.
Msssrz. Editors:

Msssrs Editors:
The ordination of Mr.. Holmes,
au Evangelist, at Richmond, on Tuesday last, af-
forded for the many that attended it and especially
for the people of Richmond, rare and rich feass
for both the mind and the heart.
The Council ordaining Mr.. II. was composed Of
the Pastors and Delegates of the Churches in Bur
lington, Hinesburgh, Jericho, Stowe, Underhill,
Waterbury, tnd Willi,ton, Rev. DR.. Wheeler Of
Burlington and Rev J. F. Stone of Montpelier.
Dr. Wheeler presided and took the lead in the
examination Of Mr.. Holmes Mr.. Holmes rela-
tion of his Religious Experience, statements Of
Doctrinal Belief and answers to the various ques-
tions relating to these subjects were prompt, clear
and highly satisfactory, showing much readiness
and ability To teach and defend the great doctrines
Of the Gospel and fulfill the duties of the chri ian
Minister,
he parts Of the Ordination Service were as
follows: Introductory exercises, Rev. j. F. Ford
Of Stowe; Sermon, DR.. Wheeler; ordaining
Prayer, Rev A. D. Barber Charge to Mr.. Holmes,
Rev C. E. Ferrin; Fellowship of the Churches,
Rev. Spencer Marsh; Charge to the people, Father
PArmalee,
These exercises were of highly practical and
religious character. We should be glad to specify
particular excellencies but hardly know how to
make the selection where all were so excellent
Though somewhat protracted, they secured marked
attention till the close.
The church and people of Richmond showed
heir appreciation of the Importance OF the ocea-
sion and testified their respect and affection for the
Young brother consecrated among them, not only
by a good attendance, but, by the promptness and
marked carefulness in which they provided for the
services, and the generous hospitality with which
they treated those that came in from the nelgh-
boring towns and churches. Besides the Dele
gates, Burlington, Hinesburgh, Jericho Williston'
were well represented Seldom has an Ordination
among US called out more manifestly the sympa-
thy of the churches. We should be glad to be
lieve, and We will hope, that this is the beginning
of better days,-days of deeper and more marked
christian sympathy and fraternal intercourse
and cooperation between the churches, that
are of ons body and spirit. We believe
our brother aad the Church g. Congregation at Rich
mond will regard this more tlan usual attend
ance of the neighboring churches as expressive Of
confidence aud hearty wishes for their success in
every good word and work.
While the exercises and results at Richmond as a
whole, were highly satisfactory, there was one
thing the Council much regretted, viz: That the
way had not been prepared for the Installation as
well as Ordination of Mr.. Holmes. And they re-
GREETED this the more, because it appeared that
there was a willingness on the part of Mr.. Holmes
and an entire confidence on the part of the
Church people, and no little desire that the
Pastoral relation should be constituted between
them We hope the day is not fa- distant when
that bond shall be signed and sealed, and our
Brother shall be constituted the Pastor and Teach
er of the Church and Society in Richmond.
A. d. B.
WHLusroN Nov. IL. 1889