Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-09-25
RECEPTION 70 DR. IEONARD.
Very Pleasant social Ansir at Central NJ.
r. Church.

|
From Morning Editiou,l
| Central N. +. church was crowded last
night upon the occasion OF the annual receE-
ton to the pastor and bis family. Dr. Leon
ard Yves detained till late hour by n we'd
ding. at which he was the Officiating minis
ter As soon a. be arrived an address OF wei
| come was delivered on behalf Of the congrega.
ton by Samuel ShsHer. Among other
things Mr.. ShaiIer said
ave are all Methodists because we love to
| be, and we are loyal Meth Ddists because it is
our duty to be, and we all support you in
your labor Of love, and pray for you, and
stand by you. We have learned long ago
that anyone who fearlessly denOunces wrong
wherever he finds it., incurs opposition, but
certainly this church has also learned that
opposition does not necessarily work
destruction, and we stand tonight in
your presence united church, by G ,d's
blessing ready for the work of the master,
and recognizing in you our leader, whom
God and the bi,hop have sent to us. We are
armed and equipped, and ready tor the fight,
sleeping upon our arms, and you will find us
at our places at the call OF our captain"
DR.. Leonard said al want to say
friends, that | have no words with which
to respond to this kindly greeting. 1t is
altogether unex pected IN its form. When
heard that reception was to be rendered us
tonight, | felt it would be very great pleas
ure to meet the people Of Central church in
II social way, and to shake hands with you
each aud all. didn't expect any such gath
ering as this, or any such expression
1 it has been your pleasure to
make. can assure you that
under the circumstances We appreciate it
more than words can express.
alt has been my privilege to be in the min
is,ry twenty-five years. have fairly entered
my twenty sixth year. Dlring that period
have served many different congregations,
but say to you here tonight, tina, in these
twenty-five years we have never found
place where there were warmer hearts
more generous ma ures more cordial support,
thin we find here in this old Central church,
and it has become thus very dear promise
to do the very best | can for this church.
You cannot realize how grateful this recog-
ni,ion IS to me at this time. | thank God
from the depth of my heart for the people OF
Central church. have no doubt that some
of you have differed from me in some things,
but you know, brethren, that | have never
thrust my views upon you in any offensive
way. You have recognized my right to
think for myself and have recognized the
same right in you. We shall live together ss
brethren and sisters in the Lord this year rs
we have in the two years that are gone by
and believe it will be the best year of the
three. thank you again, on the part Of my
wit, and my family, for this cordial, this
hearty greeting. May Gods blessing be upon
you in your homes and in your families, and
upon the entire church"
At the conclusion of DR.. Leonard's remarks
Mr.. A. L. Slayer stepped forward and pre-
sented to Mrs. Leonard, on behalf OF the
young people OF the congregation, a very
good crayou portrait of the doctor, by Robt.
Maxwell, the artist. DR.. Leonard responded
pleasantly on behalf OF his wife. After sing
ing and prayer refreshments were served, and
the balance Of the evening was spent socially
and pleasantly