Daily Republican. [volume] ([Wilmington, Del.]) 1874-1890, 1883-02-12

| We clip the following from the West
Chester Local News, and it affords us
great pleasure to BE- able to state that
the Rev gentleman mentioned was
raised on our own l'randywine, at
Henry Clay Factory. He was ways
a studiOus young man, and ever enjoy
ed the respect of II large circle Of
| friends
On last Wednesday, January 3lst, at
regular meeting Of the Board Of Trus-
tees of Lafayette College, the honorary
degree of Doctor Of Divinity was CON
terred on Rev. James Roberts, pas
tor of the Presbyterian Church of
Coltrsvillc.
Doctor Roberts is graduate of La
faycttc College, Class Of '65, and Of
Princeton Theological Seminary, Class Of
SO. In October 1867, while yet in the
Seminary, he was invited to suppl y tor
a Sabbath the pulpit Of the Presbyter-
ian Church of Gainesville.
The impression made upon the con-
grcgation was such that in January fol-
lowing they called him to be their pas
tor He accepted the call, and the
Presbytery Of New Castle, by IA unani
nous vote, placed the call in his
hands, and on May 2S, 1868, ordained
and installed him.
lie has continued to minister TO the
congregation with great acceptance to
the present time, so that although
amongst the youngest ministers he is
| to-day the oldest pastor in the Prcshy
terry Of Chester. His ministry Of fifteen
| years has been ncof earnest, faithful
work, with continual manifestations Of
the Masters approval, and now, at the
end Of all these years, he holds very
strong place in the hearts Of his people,
as well As the respect and confidence of
the " hole community.
When Dr. Roberts was called to
Coatcsvillc he was just finishing his
course in the Seminary, and therefore
was without fame and influence He
has, however, constantly increased in
usefulness and influence, not only in
his own congregation and the communi-
ty in which he resides, but also in the
lresbytery and synod. His fame has
grown year by year until it has attract
ed the attention Of the Trustees Of his
Alma Mater and they have deemed him
worthy of the degree they have confer
red upon him. AS an illustration of his
growing reputation, it may be mention
ed that in less than year after his set
Element in Gainesville, he was elected
the Stated Clerk of his Prrsbytcry, apo
sition he has held with great acceptance
up to the present time, and We feel sure
the Preshytcry would be sorry to have
him resign
For lhrr" years he was the Pcrma-
ncnt Clerk Of the Synod Of Philadel-
phia, and when that Synod last October
was, with tn" other three Synods Of
Pennsylvania, merged into one under
the little Of he Synod of Pennsylvania,
he was unanimously chosen for III"
same position in that large and inttu-
entail body. DR.. Roberts has, we think,
well earned his title, and Lafayette,
which is one of the largest and best
known colleges in our State, has shown
its wisdom III selectinga minister Of such
standing and influence on whom to be-
stow such an honor. The church to
which DR.. Roberts has so aCceptably
administered, and also those outside Of
it, who best know him, will give their
hearty endorsement to this action of the
college and their most hearty congratu
lations to the recipient Of its wisely
bestowed degree Of Doctor Of Divinity.