The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1875-11-13

The following communication from a com
mittee of the Baptist Church and its Sunday
school, in reference to the death o! Rev. Il. Cole
man, is handed to us for publications
1t was with feeling Of deepest sorrow that we
received intelligence of the death of our former
paste Rev. H. Coleman. During his twelve
years pastOratc the deep Impressions he made
upon the minds and the hearts of both old and
young were such rs few pastors obtain. lie was
known only to be loved and esteemed. The rich
hOnorcd him as one sent from God to minister
to their spiritual necessities ard the poor not
only did him honor, but loved him with fulness
of heart, SO that he was known among them as
Elder Coleman, the poor mans friend. Many
who, during his ministry, were scholars in the
sabbath School, and are now teachers or mem
bcrs OF the church, refer to his kindly and ear.
nest manner in seeking their temporal and
spiritual welfare in terms of the tcndercst re.
gard. Some of the older members of the church
consulted him as their counselor and adviser so
long as he lived, on all matters OF personal i'm
pOrtancC. Many Of the soldiers in the late war
who went from this ncighborhoOd remember
his tenderness to the sick and wounded, and his
cheering words, not only here, but on the battle
field, and, as they call to mind the tears he shed
over their departed comrades, will not fail to
shed a tear in memory Of such departed worth.
The success Of the Soldiers Aid Society OF Otta.
wa during the war was largely attributed TO his
efficient services. Perhaps no man in his sphere
did more 10 cheer and encourage the soldier
and to comfort the widows and orphans. We
can truly say that our beloved Coleman be
longcd not only to the Ottawa Baptist Church,
but to Ottawa, for he was held in high esteem
by citizens Of all classes and all denominations.
Where duty called, and work was to be done re-
curing counsel and wisdom, there was Mr..
Coleman. He was a wise counsellor and stead
fast friend of the oppressed. While he had no
political aspirations, he was n true patriot, and
an earnest advocate OF civil and religious liberty.
During the late struggle for the Union he la.
bored hard and faithfully for the perpetuity OF
the nation, its laws and Institutions
At a meeting of the Church and Sabbath
School the following resolutions were passed:
RsSOi,ed, That we tender our warmest sympa-
thy to the bcrcaycd family in this our mutual
loss
That we would return thanks to Almighty
God for his goodness and mercy in sending our
beloved brother among us, SO that by his wise
counscls and spiritual instruction we were SO
firmly established as a church IN our early set
Element.
That In view OF our present condition. in be-
ing without pastor, we would earnestly pray
the Greats Head Of the church that he would
send one amongst us who will prove equally
earnest and faithful in the discharge Of pastoral
duties ms our late lamcntcd brother
That a copy of the above be sent TO the
family of the deceased, and also to the editors
of the StanddJH for insertion in their paper, and
our local papers.
Done by order Of the church.
John PHILLIPS,
b. b. GRIFFITH,
('ommirtpp