Daily Kennebec journal., 1878-12-07
Gardner l0ral NfMs.

The reunion Of former pastors Thursday even
ing, was . very pleasant affair. The ladies had
furnished an abundance of eatables in the vestry,
and all the people Wed with each other to give
their former preachers a hearty welcome aud
make their stay an occasion of happy communion.
At five O'Clock the large company sung a hymn.
and then sat down to supper. There were present
Of those who had ministered to the people, Rev.
j. b Hustled, pastor D 1896 to 1887; Rev. w. F..
Harrington, lS40 to 1912 Rev. D. b. Randall. 1858
to 1861 Rev. Charles w. Morse, 1869 to 1871 !;
Rev. Wm S. Jones, 1872 to 1875. Invitations had
been extended to clergymen of other denomina-
tons in the city to be present and participate in
the good cheer. Only one, Rev. Mr.. Slower,
supply ing at the Baptist church was able to be
present Rev. Mr.. Lindsey. during supper read
the following letter from Rev. A. l.. Park, which
explains itself:
GARDINER, Dec. 5. '7s.
DEAR Bro LINDsEY-I thank you and the CON.
mitee for the very kind invitation to your church
reunion and anniversary to-day. Were it not for
another engagement it would give NE great pleas
uTe to attend.
The Methodist Episcopal church in Gardiner,
like the great denomination of which it is a part,
may well thank God and take courage. Powerful
and vigorous on this semcentennial, may it ever
grow from good TO better and from great useful
ness to greater. Strong in the Lord, aud advanc-
ing from grace to grace and from strength to
strength, may its centennial look back upon still
nobler triumphs over unbelief and sin, and richer
hsrvests gathered for the Master.
With seven or eight of the excellent ministers
who have contributed towards the prosperity Of
your church n this place during the last fifteen
years, it has been my privilege to associate; and
some of my plessantest and most profitable ex-
periepces connected with them. Though alb
sent in body from your pleasant interview to-day,
let me be present in spirit and say. with you all,
God bless the Methodist church of Gardiner and
multiply it in numbers and grsces q hundred fold
Fraternally yours
A. l.. PARK.
Two hours were spent in social converse and
christian greetings, and then all repaired to the
audience room to listen to addresses from the
clergymen. After the singing of hymn by the
congregation and prayer by Rev. J. b. Hustled.
Rev. Mr.. Lindsey read the roll of pastors, who h ad
ministered to the church during the past fifty
years. There are twenty nine on the list, whose
names we Published Yesterday beginning with
Rev John Atwel 1923. aud ending with Rev.
George u. Lindsey in 1878. AS the names were
called, some of the clergymen present responded
for the absentees, stating whether living or dead,
&c.
Revs. Atwell. Spauldiug, Schermerhorn, Atkins,
Webber, GreenhOiph and Abbot were reported as
having died triumphant in the faith Letters were
read from the pastor from 1888 to 1910
ard from 1916 to lS4S, and from Rev. N. ID.
George pastor from 1874 to lSi5, sending chris.
tian greeting and expressing regrets for the ina
biity of the writers to be present and enjoy the
ministers present rs their names were called re.
sponded briefly. recalling pleasant reminis-
ences of their pastOrate in Gardiner.
Rev. j. Is. Hustled was present at the dedcs-
tion of the church, and rejoiced at the improve
ments which had since been made, and at the
prosperity of the church. He felt sad to fl nd SO
| find so few of his former members, but glad to
take their children by the hand.
Rev. w. +. Harrington was alive soul and body
| Thought to 90 home, but the persuasive powers
| of Mr.. Lindsey were great he was con-
| strained to stay, and glad of it. Seventy
| were added to the church during the first year
| his ministry here. Thought the church should
divide and establish another in some part of tue
| city for aggressive work.
R-v. ID. B. Randall was also present at the ded
| icston, being then stationed At Augusta. Gardi-
ner was one of the best stations in the Maine Con.
| ference. The nemb q. were active and ready to
| respond to snv call OF the pastor The ladies
| during his ministry purchased the exc, liz Mt Or
gan now in use.
| Rev G.. w. Morse said the church received him
, an old man, as pastor, most kindly, loved him
well, aud paid him better than any other church
ever did. He loved the children, loved the breth-
/ rem and loved best of all the Lord Jesus Christ.
| R-v. WIism S. Jones found here a strong
! church numerically; blessed with large spiritual
gifts, and liberal and open heated. Had heard
| Of the "smen Corner" before he came aud many
/ q hearty response came from there during his
stay. He buried eight members ia the ttree
years he was here, the aggregate Of who.e ages