Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1873-07-17
SeWal Tenney, D. D.

StNdI 4cuuSy' IL ~
1t will be remembered that in the early
spring Rev. Sewal Tenncy offered his
resignation of the pastorate of the Con-
gregational society. to take effect upon the
second sabbath of July following. Ia view
of the extended acquaintance of DIR. Ten
ney throughout the county, and Of the re-
spect and affection with which he is uni
yer>ally regarded. we need offer no apology
for occupying our columns with more than
a passing notice OF his withdrawal from the
pulpit which has known him SO long.
The nucleus of the present Congrega-
tional society was found in the little body
OF hearers. who for number of years pre-
Viou> to 1885 recognized the Rev. Peter
Nourse a. their pastor; gentleman of in
trliIgence and amiable traits. a. the two or
three who survive him can still bear wit
ness. At that time Ellsworth was gaining
in population and thrifl, while Mr.. Nourse
WAS approaching an advanced age. These
reasons. Joined with the fact that the doc
trine preached by Mr.. Nourse. since he
tended toward Unitarian belief. was not
in accordance with the views of the ma
ioritv. induced the society to ask him to
give place to Il new man. This movement
resulted in the settlement Of Sewal Ten
ney and formation OF the present Congre-
gational society.
We have in our possession an interest
ing relic, the first subscription paper raised,
for that new society. The preamble runs
~ follows:
''WHTEEAS The Rev. Peter Noursc for
suitable compens alton l. willing to retire from
III Passionate charge in Ellsworth, We the sub
~tUher- believing il Of vital Importance 10 our
selves and the rising generation that a piou>
and tal ented minister be settled in this growing
and air, aiy populous village, 10 effect this most
desirable object We are aware that We must tax
ourselves heavily al least for one wear; we do
therefore agree TO pay the sums set against our
HalMr> &"
The name Of Andrew Peters heads the
list. followed by those of Samuel Dutton
and of Little u Hale. OF the thirty-fve
frames which 20 To make up the paper.
twenty-nue will now be inquired for in
vain Is present residents OF Ellsworth.
When the size and resources OF Ellsworth
II that time, are considered. the ',ums set
aEaiu>t" these thirty-tive names testify to
the libcrAlity Of the signers. and TO their
belief in the sentiments expressed in
their preamble.
Mr.. Tenney was born al Chester, y. H..
graduated al Dartmouth College aud An
dover Theo. seminary. was called from the
charge of the Sesman's Bethel at Portland
and began his labor, here, early in the
>pring OF le,ij; since which time his life
has been passed in an unbrokeu ministra-
t"n 10 hi society. Some ten wears since
he received the degree of d. ID. from Bow
uUln College, and became one of the Trus-
tees OF that Institution. beside occupying al
other times positions of honor and trust in
hi, State
The announcement OF his intended with
drawal from the society was received with
regret and sadness. 1t was The announce
winch all love SO well was about TO pass
away. The church and society voted that
Or. Ienney be requested to withdraw his
resignation, but finally yielded to his judg-
t4tAAs anu NllaL ltit time
had come for a change.
ON sunday. the 9th inst. an unusually
large audience assembled to listen to the
last sermon which DR.. Tenney will preach
A. the regular pastor Of the society though
we hope so see him many times in the ac-
cpstomed place. in years 10 come. The
speaker said that he resigned his charge
Lot because the relation. between himself
and his people had not been Of the pleas
ATTEST character. nor because he had any
desire or intention TO escape work. or Law
aside hi business. But because the ext
@enc.e> Of the society demanded the efforts
and enthusiasm which a Younger man
could alone afford lie said that he should
continue to feel s. deep interest in the we'll
fare Of the society, and that il was suffi-
cient IN wealth aud numbers, to become
strong and llourishing in the future. No
attempt was made to excite emotion nor
any undue appeal to the Sympathies of his
hearers. 10 the stranger, or careless look
'r-"h' IL was bHt an aged pastor quietly
taxing leave Of his people. But to those
VINO know the history of the society and
al Ellsworth, 10 those who have listened
10 ms preaching for 80 years. or whose
lives are measured by the period of hi.
ministry. the occasion va. most solemn
and never TO be- forgotten. We do no,
wish to dwell upon the sacred and painfpI
memories OF by-gOue years which passed
III reN!e" to many present, nor in the vain
regrets which may well have filled our
heafts That we have done no more to make
me life OF Dr. Tenney happy, or tighten
his burdens. We rejoice thai we can now
bear witness to the purity and gentleness
q LIS Character. 10 his devotion TO the
cause which he processes. and to the love
aud reverence entertained towards him.
not only by his church and society, but. a.
We hope and believt by every citizen of
Ellsworth
ne pain of parting with DIR. and Mrs,
Ienney. Is rendered less severe. since we
know that it is still their purpose to reside
IN town that his familiar form. benignant
smile. and warm hand-clasp will still greet
IL But wherever duty may call. from the
bottom OF our hearts We say, God bless
him.
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