Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1870-05-12

Church IN brooklyn, N. T., where he re- |
manned until the spring of 1887. He
then preached year at Meriden, Con-
neeticut. In 1889 he went to Newport,
Rhode Island, and in 1910 removed to
Norwich, Chenango county, N. Y. In
1S43 he became pastor of the Fifth Street
Baptist Church in Troy, n. Y. In 1S47
he went to Hartford, Washington County,
n. Y, where he remained until Septem-
Der 1852, when he came to Rutland,
dissolving his pastorate relation
in 1862. He has, however, supplied the
church more or less since, and has preach
ed in the surrounding towns until ad-
vancing age and infrmities compelled
him to retire from the active duties Of
the ministry. He has ever been the coun-
sellor of the church since, and at the last
Covenant meeting he attended after he
had become permanently deaf, he ad-
dressed his former parishioners in an
affectionate manner, saying that his use
fulness was ended and he was passing
sion, but little did they think his life
work would be SO soon closed. He has
been faithful pastor to the church in
Rutland, and his labors among this people
are too familiar to need rehearsal at the
present time. In a ministry of more
than half century, few clergymen have
performed the ceremony at the altar of
matrimony, or stood by the grave more
frequently than Elder Howard. He was
favorite ameng young people, and was
often called upon to perform the marriage
service after he had retired from active
duties.
The Troy Times of Friday evening
says: In June last he attended the
sessions of the Baptist Association which
met in the First Baptist church, Troy, n.
Y, and attracted the admiration of all by
his touching, simple eloquence, his genial
manners, and the thorough knowledge of
the history of the Baptist church which
he exhibited in his speeches He was then
in excellent health, and though he alluded
occasionally to the fact that he was "pass.
ing away" his appearance gave promise of
many years of usefulness. In former
years he was recognized power in his
denomination, and he continued his active
efforts in the ministry long after that
period when clergymen generally seek
the quiet of retirement.
IL ba IoCs,oo |
NJ. from Middlebury College in 1928. In
1881 he preached the annual election SER
mon before the Legislature of Vermont
A copy was requested for publication.
tee, reported that they had called upon
the Rev. Leland Howard and requested |
copy of his election sermon for publica-
ton, and that he replied that on account
of i'll health he could not furnish a copy
at present. 1t was never published. He
was Chaplain of the House in 1881, also
Chaplain of the Senate in 1861. He
united with the Masonic fraternity at
Windsor in 1917, and ever remained
steadfast friend of the institution during
all the raging waves of Anti Masonry, |
never yielding when the storm beat in its
widest fury. He was for several years
Master of Apollo Lodge at Troy, N. Y.
During his residence at Windsor he was
at the head of the Commandery. At the
time of his death he was a r>ember of
Killington Commandery of Knightoi
Templar. He has been Chaplain Of the
Grand Lodge of Vermont both before and
since the Anti-Masonic excitement; also
of several of the other bodies of Masonry.
He had warm attachment for the instf-
tuition, and occasionally attended meet
ings, until his hearing became imperfect. |
In November, 1916, he married Lucy
Mason of Ira, Vermont, sister of Lester
Mason, Esq, of Rutland. She died in
Rutland, March Esd, 1864 Eight chill
dren survive their parents: James L.,
Charles T., and Frank L., of Hartford,
Conn; George E, Springfield, Mass.
Mrs Lucy M. Miller of Beaver Dam,
Wis. Ellen S, wife of Rev. n. Cyr Mary
E., and Sarah c., Of Rutland.
On the 3D. of July 1865, he married
Mrs. Eliza Warner, widow of Dea. War
ner of Troy, N. Y, who survives him.
He has been apparently vigorous until
within few months, with the exception
of deafness, which has been increasing for
wears. Some two months since he was
suddenly deprived of his hearing. Since
| then, as he expressed it, he has been liv-
ing ina silent world. Notwithstanding
his affection he was cheerful and would
talk to those he met, ever meeting them
with the same genial manner, and few
would imagine from his appearance or
conversation of his affiiction until he in
formed them. A few weeks ago we met
him when several gentlemen were talking
and laughing, He sat quietly by, appar'
emily an attentive listener. After little
time he playfully remarked that he would
go on to the next place, as we were so
quiet. About two weeks ago be was at
tackled with illness and gradually sunk
away, until Thursday evening last just
as the sun was descending the western
hills, and twilight was overshadowing the
earth, and the bell of the church in which
he had so long ministered to a loving peo-
pie was ringing out its peals, calling the
worshippers to the place of prayer, he
quietly and calmly breathed out his life
and passed on to the silent land.
Our acquaintance with Elder Howard
commenced in 1861, when in obedience to
a Geographic summons in company with
him we journeyed to the capitol of the
State, both to assume duties to which we
had unexpectedly been called by the Leg
islature. From that period it has been
our privilege to know him quite intimate
ly and appreciate his worth, and in con-
Guiding this hasty and imperfect sketch of
his life, it may not be improper to refer
to some of the elements of his character,
and take survey of the field he has oc-