The Portland daily press., 1881-04-29
KINDLY DEEDS.
A Surprise Party to DR.. Carruthers.

Our venerable and honored fellow citizen,
the Rev. J. J. Carruthers, D. D., was the re-
cipient of very pleasant series of surprises
last evening.
At an early hour the Doctor was surprised
by large and ever increasing number of
callers, who evidently came to stay. They
were all members of the Second Parish
Society, over which DR.. Carruthers was SO
| long the faithful minister. The Doctors
pleasant residence on Cumberland street was
soon full to overlooking with smiling guests,
each of whom the aged minister received with
that courtly grace which has ever distinguish
| ed him.
| After the guests were all assembled, the
Hon. w. W. Thomas stepped forward in
front OF the Doctor, who stood leaning on the
arm OF his daughter, Miss Carruthers. Mr..
Thomas bore in his hand an elegant silver
basket. The top of the basket was covered
with velvet upon which gold coins were ar
ranged in the form of G. The coins ranged
from 81 to $50 pieces, and the number of
dollars in the just equalled the age of the
patriarch; 81. There was also pyramid of
gold coins in the center, the entire amount
in coin being $136.5O. A wreath of choice
flowers encrcled tho basket Mr. Thomas
said:
/ My Venerable Friend In behalf of the
members of the Second Parish, over whom
you for so many years faithfully ministered
1t is my very pleasant duty to present to YOU
this golden offeriug in token Of their respect
and affection The eight-one golden coins rep
resent the 81 years OF your honorable and
Will you please accept this gift with our
best wishes, and as the shadows Of life's even
ing gather around you, may they be illumined
by pleasant memories of the past and bright
hopes for the future, and may that Gospel
which you lave so faithfully preached to
others, be an ever present solace and support
to yourself.
And as this silver basket protects and up
holds the gold within it, SO we present this
votion protects and upholds the declining
years of him, whom we honor with golden
greetings tonight.
DR.. Carruthers replied:
| would be very glad suitably to respond to
this expression of the sincere affection of be-
loved friends, all OF whom have place in my
heart.
With all of you L have sustained the in
teresting relation of guide in your spiritual
interests and your eternal welfare has ever
been the object of my deepest solicitude. I
rejoice to know that I still have place in
your hearts, and that the same Gospel I
preached is still proclaimed to YOU by one
whom love as son.
And now my dear friends of the Second
Church let me thank you for all the kindness
you have shown to me through these many
years. and also for this generous testimonial
which l receive as the more material ex-
preston of the moral feelings of sympathy
and good will, which you have ever manifested
towards me.
May God be the guide and director of your
lives until your journeys end, and when that
end be reached may we all meet again. where
partings shall never be heard of more. God
bless you all.
Allow me also to acknowledge the kindness
you have shown my daughter She is my
faithful housekeeper, companion and daughter
in each of which capacities she fills up the
fullest measure of my hopes.
The Rev. G. A. Dickinson, the present
pastor of the Second Parish, then spoke with
feeling and sympathy. He alluded to the
dove returning in the evening" and added
May the dove of peace come and abide with
you and your household in the evening of
your life.
Mr.. Dickinson closed by reading the follow.
ing original lines:
To j. j. Car7atthers, d. d., ApriI %, 1881.
sd G4 on D the their
May peace eternal Be thy constant guest.
We murmur not at Times exacting ways,
Nor have we anxious cares for coming days;
But all our cares and doubts, our hopes and fears
We leave with Him who rules the fieeting years.
In whom we have perennial life and youth,
In whom we find eternal love and truth.
Eloquent and touching remarks were made
by Rev. E. Y. Hincks and Rev. W. H. Fem,
and letter of regrets read from Rev. F. E.
Clark.
All then Joined in singing the hymn Chow
firm foundation ye saints of the Lord"
Prayer was then offered by Rev. e. Y.
Hincks.
Then after spending an hour in social con-
verse the guests departed, all wishing their
venerable friend and pastor still many years
of happiness and hoping that the sunset of his
life might be filled with golden memories