Delaware State journal and statesman., 1867-04-19

'NtfS lnnAf Vi tHI itnihhhlAuh VI wv
GEORGE F. WIswEII., d. D., as Pastor of
the Central Presbyterian Church of this
city. On Sunday next, he will, we learn,
occupy that pulpit for the last time officially.
Mr.. WIswELL came to this city upon the
unanimous call of the congregation Of the
Central Church, and took charge of it on
the second day of March, 1856. At that
time the congregation was small and an
entirely new organization, having come
mainly from the Hanover Church. He came,
however, untried, and a stranger amongst
US, and found the elements of q vigorous
and useful church in waiting to receive him.
He at once applied himself TO the interesting
but difficult task of shaping, enlarglng and
putting into active life the influences of
christian zeal and individual energy with
which he was surrounded, aud the nucleus
of which were his own earnest and devoted
labors. For several successive years his
was life of toll, not only in the fulflment
of his duties at the sacred desk, but also in
meeting the necessities which constantly
presented themselves to his notice, demand
ing his judgment, cooperation and atten-
tion, in the work OF building up congrega-
ton of worsbippers whose walk and con-
yersation would lend weight and character
to the christian name, and add another TO
the list OF useful churches which give tone
and moral power to the community at large.
The organization of the Young Mems Chris
tian Association, Monroe Chapel, Rodney
Chapel, and the Brandywine Mission Sun
day Schools attest equally the assiduity and
extent of his efforts.
In thiswise Mr.. MIswELL soon found
himself in the midst Of unusual labor, but
to him it was work OF love, and he en-.
gagged in 1t with all the force of his peculiar
energy and spirit In due time success
crowned his efforts. From small congre-
CATION the Central has grown TO be large
and influential body, and to-day can gather
around its communion table larger number
Of members than any other Presbyterian
} church in Wilmington. To the perseverance
of Mr.. WIswEIL the gratitude of the church
is mainly due for this propltious result. He
2 was and is emphatcally live man among
live people, With an ambition leading al
j. ways to success in every worthy enterprise;
positive in character genial and pleasant in
s conversation; popular in address; eloquent
I and iorcible In discourse, he was just the
e man for the difficult Office he has filled salts
iactorily and well for eleven years past.
e He is now about to leave the flock he has
/ SO long and tenderly watched, for another
!, field in the neighboring city of Philadel
e phia. Amid many heartfelt regrets they
D part with him. They are attached to hin
by many ties Of christian love and persona
y friendship, and they feel that they lose
kind Pastor and true friend in the separa
ton. But his duty is plain before him. A
t new and inviting field for his labors call
e him thiiher; and however reluctantly, Il,
must go and occupy ii at the bidding Of Ii,
v Master, in whose cause he has devoted hi
e life and service. His christian brethren
there will find in him working, Jealous
/. and devoted Pastor, who will soon win
, place in their esteem and affections, AMI
bring into new lie and vigor whatever O
A dormant power or influence there may b
in the congregation.
v AS a citizen Mr.. WIswELL is useful, pa
triotic, loyal. During the rebellion his voic
i. was at all times and upon all occasions-i
ST the pulpit and out of it-heard in defence c
!. national unity and the national flag. n
i, uncertain sound ever came from his lips
IN He planted himself upon the grand prime
re pies of Union and Freedom, and was mos
incorporating in his advocacy of tn
NJ right and duty OF the National Governmer
r TO put down the shareholders rebellion tha
of was striving by fire anu sword, starvatio
I and murder, to retard civilization and II
r ligion, and set the hands on the dlal-plate {
re progress back an hundred years For Til
of the loyal Union men of Wilmington esp,
cially, will remember him in thanktulnes
al 10 his efforts-in common with other cler
p. cal gentlemen of this city-the little con
q. monwealth of Delaware owes lis presel
a, position in the galaxy of loyal States; IL
ra we verify believe that had it not been for til
n. moral and religious influence exercised b
q. the christian pulpits of our city and Stat
of during the war, Delaware would have bee
no taken out Of the Union by the enemies
or the government, and to-day would be undt
the operation of the Military Reconstructio
n Bill. Our people will remember Mr.. WI
II. WELL for his noble work in this direction
N and will follow him with their prayers an
~ gratitude whithersoever he may go; and W
feel sure, that in the retrospect of the eleve
years of his ministry and citizenship among
-, US here, he, himself, will realize in Ii
Ia minds eye no brighter thoughts than thoi
al which will recall to his heart the patrio,
M utterances he gave In defence of the Uniol
n, civilization and freedom, during the stor
40 of blood and iron hail that marked the el
-, of the traitors war.
ce The city of Philadelphia has no tru,
Of christian patriot in its pulpit than Mr.. WI
i'll WELL, nor will the church he leaves in til
a. city find more acceptable and populi
i pastor The general regret at his departu
II, attests this fact already. He was alil
les valuable TO the church as its minister, al
TO useful to the State as citizen, and by q
*. X. the separation is marked by regret al
he sorrow.
CHI CHURCH EDIFICEs.