The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1877-08-08
Rev. Aaron Gaylord Pease.

Aaron g. Pease, which occurred at his
residence on Main street, just at day break
on Tuesday morning, will bring to mary
hearts throughout the state sadness and
sorrow, He has been long afflicted and bis
demise was not unexpected. In his death
a strong man has fallen, and In some re-
CARDS he had few equals In our state, as an
acute reasoner and sermonizer, until linger-
ing disease paralized both body and mind.
Aaron Gaylord Pease was born In Con-
necticut, February 90. 1911 He graduated |
at the University of Vermont in the class !
of 1887. Among his classmates were Hon. |
Charles l.. Austin, Rev. L. l. Carpenter,
Horace Everett, James W. Hickok, Rev.
Joseph II. Myers and Rev. o. G. Wheeler.
He studied theology, gra luating at Andoyer
Theological seminary in 1s41. His first
passionate was at Pittsford. He Was in
feeble health at the time, which had
been impaired by study, and was
compelled to suspend preaching for several
months. but in March, 1912, entered upon
his ministerial labors. In May he rect ived
call to become the pastor, which he &C
cepted, and in June was ordained and in
stalled, Rev. John Wheeler, pres,d dent of
the University of Vermont, preaching the
sermon. During the early part of his min
istry the harmony of the people seemed
complete and their satisfaction greater
than usual, Gays DR.. CaveIly in his history
| of Pittsford. But in time, some real or
apparent: difference of opinion Letwetn the
pastor and some members OF the church on
| doc,rinal points produced an alienation of
| feeling which resulted in open discord.
Mr.. Pease, feeling that this condition Of
affairs must seriously impair his usefulness,
in October, 1916, lie asked, and obtained a
di,mission from bis pastoral charge. The
ecclesiastical council which assembled
to sever the relations of pastor and people
used the following expression in their re-
port "They are happy to express their
entire confidence in the christian character
and fathfulness of brother Pease and they
cordially recommend him to churches as
sound 10 the faith, and a worthy minister
of the gospel"
In 1916, tie Rev. Joseph II. Myers, his
college classmate, the pastor Of the church
in Poultney. being in i'll health, sought re-
cuperation and restoration in Florida, and
Mr.. Pease was employed to supply his
place until the winter of 1S47. He
preached with great acceptance to this peo-
pie, and here it was that the writer was ac-
customed, often, to listen to his pulpit
illustrations. He exhibited great power
in the pulpit, his sermons bearing marked
evidences Of study and thorough prepare
ton, but his sentiments were not, perhaps,
at all times endorsed, showing that he took
the Coleridge view of theology although
Mr.. Myers took the same view-Mr.
Pea:e was holder and more positive in an
nunciation of his opinions. AS an able
preacher, logical and cogent writer, be
drew around him large circle of admirers,
} and it was with regret the pleasant rela'
tons were severed by the return Of Mr..
Myers 10 his pulpit, but for this Mr.. Pease
would have received an urgent call 10 the
pastoraie.
Ia February, lS47, he supplied the pull
pit of the Congregational church at Roy al
ton. From Royalton he removed tS
| Waterbury, where he remained Us supply
, and pastor until January, 1845, WHEN b,
went west for time, supplying the churches
o of Rockford and Quincy, Illinois On hi
! return to Vermont he located at Norwich
/ where be was installed pastor January 7
0 1866. Ill health, however, at an early dat,
!. thereafter compelled him to resign, ant
:, after a few months of rest he opened
g family school for boys After two years
service, from physical prostration no wa
Il compelled to discontinue his school.
In 1864 and 1866 he represented Norwicl
in the legislature. In this position he tool
II leading part in legislative matters and hi
,, speeches soon put him in the foremos
= rank. None who were present IN tn
+. house on the last night of the session 0
}. 1854, can have forgotten his presiding in
!, humorous manner, giving vent to ric
| INV Va "Ae ohu PiSotouiAJ, Va HhlSh hO ia
!, great fund. At tho session of 1865, Gov
!. Page In his message recommended the et
+ Enlistment of a reform school for juvenil
!. delinquents. The house, acting upon tn
,. suggestions of Gov. Page, appointed
|. committee upon the subject, Of which MI
!; Pease was chairman, who reported bi
!, which secured the establishment of tn
d Vermont Reform school. A board of CON
., missioners was appointed to carry out tn
provisions of the bill, consisting of A. g
:; Pease, Lewis Pratt of Woodstock and Rev
:; Lewis A. Dunn OF Fairfax.
7. The Reform school was located at Wa
], terbury and Mr.. Pease appointed gu
]. perintendent. He retired from this pos
,. tion after three years faithful service bt
70 cause Of his impaired health. He may
p said to be the founder OF this noble institu
10 ton, to which he gave several Of the be-
81 years OF his life. To no one more tina
Aaron G. Pease 10 greater credit due for tn
}. Vermont Reform school, which is 30 we
a. accomplishing its mission for the waits {
the state. This institution Is monumer
g. to his memory.
Du,laul L. toQa L..