The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1873-07-26
The New President at Waterrille.

The impression made by Rev. Dr. Robins
at the Inauguration exercises at Colby Uni
versity, was remarkably favorable. DR.. Rod
ms is a fine looking gentleman of about forty
five apparently, ready, pleasant and forciDle
speaker, with an attractive and impressive
bearing and address. He comes iroll lhe
charge of a large and wealthy church Ill
Rochester New York. where his departure IS
much regretted. He has Wids reputation
as a pulpit orator and man OF broad and liber-
al culture He brings to his work full and Wig
orous manhood, a healthy and genial nature
and a hopefnl, hearty purpose to good SER
vice in his new connections. The College is to
be congratulated on the acquisition of so effect
i've President and the cheering promise of the
future of the institution. We quote brief alb
stract from an account of the farewell exer-
cises between church and pastor at Rochester
from the Express: $751;,
Last night was an interesting one at the First
Baptist Church. Rev. DR.. Robins had signitied
his desire to present his reasons for resigning
on the "Wednesday evening previous, but was
prevented by the entrance of death into his
household. Last night he came to fulfil his
promise with the shadow of a great sorrow
upon him. Few men could have come to the
fulfilment of any vow under such circum,
stances The soldiers instinct OF duty, ana
deep reverence for his Master, gave him power
to perform the last solemn service with frmness
and tenderness The house was crowded.
Every face bore the mark of earnest sympathy.
1t twas felt to be night on which the ties
which had been weaving around Pastor and
people for six years were to be broken forever.
DIR. Robins, in opening his address, stated
remarkable fact. Six years ago, while yet at
Newport, r. l., as pastor of the church there,
and after accepting the call of the church here,
Mrs. Robins died. Out of the darkness OF that
event, his companion taken from his side when
most he needed her, he came to his Rochester
work, the shadow of great loss upon his
heart. During these six years he had endeav-
ed to do his whole duty. He had the conscious
ness that in his work during these years as
min ster of Christ, he had aimed to serve his
Heavenly Master and the people of his charge
Now, after accepting a call to go away, which
he had done under the clear conviction OF duty,
and after long and prayerful reflection, the
shadow which came to his home at Newport
has returned. Death had again left him alone.
His companion had again been taken from his
side He had to go to his new labors again I'M
attended by her, the strength of whose love he
so much needed. The facts are very remarka-
BILE. 1t will be long before the face of the beau
tiful bride who had her reception just ten
months before in the same room and whom all
knew so well as the lovely daughter of the fate
Prof. Richardson, is forgotten. Yet, now she
sleeps on Mount Hope and those who gave her
the kiss of congratulation now weep because
she is no more. Such circumstances, of course,
made the parting last night one of peculiar in
terest. There were many tears shed and a feel
ing Of deed solemnity prevailed.
DIR. Robins stated fully his reasons for leav-
ing. No church call could have taken him
away. Offers of greatly increased salary had
been repeatedly made him and rejected. His
acceptance of the present call was based on
two supreme considerations. The first of these
was the consciousness that if he remained in
Rochester much longer, his health, which had
failed more than once since he came here,
would break The other was the peculiar ma
ture of the CALL 1t was to occupy point of
central influence upon the education of New
England. The teachings of Colby University,
to the Presidency of which he was called must
largely influence the religious status of the
churches of the East As a post of useful
ness for Christ it has opportunities far beyond
the pastorate in Rochester; yet he went re-
luctantly. He loved his people, and with
affectionate regret, and yet with joy in the hope
of a large work for Christ he asked his peo-
pie to release him from their service. IL.
DR., Robins having Withdrawn, President
Strong was called to the chair, and the follow
ing resolutions, presented by Matthew Cooke,
Esq, were unanimously adopted:
Whereas, Our pastor, Rev. H. E. Robins, d. D..
has felt called upon in the providence of God to sun
Ger the edeared relation that has existed harmO
niously for the past six years between himself and
this people, therefore, s5fts Ie'r, f..l--rlf
Resotced, That while we cannot fully compre-
bend this providence in taking beloved brother
from this important field of usefulness to another
held OF labor, still accept his resignation feeling
assured that the sacrifice he makes is not of bis own
seeking, an that he goes the cause of edu-
cation rom sense OF personal obligation to his Mas
ter -,.rss.-T fF-I ~
Resotred, That wherever he goes leaving as he
does the results of six years of faithful labor as q
leh legacy to this church and congregation our best
wishes, our sympathies and our prayers shall go
with him, while fond memories will cling around the
days that are rast. sa 1fala =
July 16, 1873. l.. .-j-. ..-.