The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1888-12-13
REV. Or. cHIcKERINc.
Impressive Funeral Services at the
High Street Church.
Tributes from Rev. Drs. Dalton and
Fem and Mr.. Southworth.

The funeral of the Rev. DR.. John White
Chickering took place from the High street
church, of which he was formerly pastor at
%. m. yesterday. 1t was noticeable how
many Of our elder, and prominent citizens,
who had, without doubt, sat under the
ministrations of the deceased quarter Of
century ago were present. The Rev. Frank
L, Bayley, pastor Of State street, and Rev.
S. K. Perkins Of the West End, both churches
offspring Of High street, were in attendance.
Other pastors occupying seats were Rev. l..
Ii. Hallock of Williston, Rev. Mr.. Wright Of
st. Lawrence street, and DIR. l. p. Warren Of
the Christian Mirror The two sons of DR.
Chickering and a grand daughter were also
present.
After music by the organist, Mr.. Duncan,
selections of Scripture were read by the
pastor, Rev. DIR. Fem.
Rev. Mr.. Southworth then spoke of his
own pleasant relations with DR.. Chickering
from the first time he, Mr. Southworth, came
to Portland to the last visit DR.. Chickering
made here so short time ago. These rela-
tions had been unremitting and cordial. He
spoke of the Doctors aimiable traits, of his
marked fidelity to the Master He illustrated
his desire for continued usefulness after his
active ministry had closed by referring to,
and reading several cards such as the Doctor
carried about with him for distribution on
which he had printed extracts from favorite
authors and sentiments of his own. He
mentioned several instances Of the Doctors
great kindness of heart and Of his interest in
all good words and works.
DR.. Dalton followed. He referred to the
fact that the Doctor was the first person out
of his own congregation to call on him after
he was made rector of st. Stephens. He had
not known him personally before, but had
seen his name often in religious and other
papers for so many years he thought he must
be much older man than he proved to be
when he met him. At that time, and ever
afterwards, he often heard the Doctor spok-
en- of, and always to the effect that he was
good man, most excellent pastor and a
true friend. Above all he was always re-
ferred to as peace loving man. 1t takes
two to make quarrel and the Doctor would
never make one of the two. He habitually
breathed and lived in an atmosphere far
above contentious of all sorts. He was a
son OF peace, J0hannean disciple He had
not the Pauline fire, perhaps, of his success
sor, nor the Peterine authority of his friend
Jacobian disposition to draw strict and
straight lines. de had pre-eminently the
disposition of the disciple whom Jesus loved.
de saw before him several who must have
been there when DR.. Chickering became pas
tor of this church. There were then in the
church men who in their time contributed
much to its strength and growth, and also
that of the city. Men eminent as physicians,
lawyers. juriSts, merchants and mechan-
les. Many of them have fallen
asleep but some remain among us
who can testify to the Doctors
fidelity. This day you recall the
visits he made to your homes, In times of af-
Fiction, and you also recall the various
events of your lives with which he was more
or less connected. Here you were consecrat-
ed to Christ by his voice; received the fell
lowship of the church by his hand. He Off
ciated at your marriage, and after admins
speak OF the sermons which often touched
your hearts and consciences. You will, In a
few minutes, look on his face for the last
time. You will be deeply touched by the Sc
press of features, which speak of heaven.
As you turn away you may well remember
the words given to st. John: BLESSED are
the dead who die in the Lord. Yea. says the
spirit, for they rise from their labors and
their works do follow them"
DR.. Fem made the closing address, in
which he expressed his regret at the absence
OF DIR. Carruthers, who would gladly have
been there. but was unable by reason of his
health; the increasing infirmities Of age. OF
DR.. Chickering, he said, throughout his life
he was most fortunate and happy man. He
was fortunate in his makeup. He had
sound mind in sound body. He had an ac-
| tive brain, clear head and warm heart. He
was happy in his marriage. His wife was
lovely and accomplished woman, a helpmeet
for him. He was fortunate in his children,
| whom he dearly loved, in whose prosperity
he felt a, pardonable pride: He was happy
in his relations to the church, which he dear
| ly loved, and faithfully served. He was
faithful preacher and devoted pastor. While
he loved all, be had a particular regard for
| the poor and needy, whom he delighted to
seek and succor. He was not only ready to
confer fayors, but was one who could receive
| them as well from the humbleSt. Some men
| you may know twenty years, and then not
know them well, for somehow you cannot
get at them. They keep you at certain dis.
tance., But DR.. Chickering was easily ar-
| humbest and made the youngest feel at ease
in his society. He did not so much leve men
| in masses as individually. He didn't look at
his congregation ss whole, but his eye ran
over II and took in the individuals who CON-
| posed it, for each of whom he had some par
ticular regard, usually in proportion to the
occasion or the need Of it, and he remember
ed them all in his prayers. The church was
not the sole object of his regard. He loved
the city as well. and the, whole city.
labor to its many interests. He desired its
prosperity. he was gratified at its growth.
Anything which touched it touch ed him. He
always anticipated his annual visit to Port
land with great pleasure, and esp specially de-
lighted in meeting his old friends. whom he
sought out as far as time and strength
would permit, and whether here or In other
cities, he rested not. His brain was always
active and worked with the steadiness Of an
engine. He was always devising some
| scheme of banavolpnce like his Mastar while
he lived, and until the end he went about do
ing good.
At the close of DR.. Fenn's remarks he
offered beautiful and touching prayer. 0p-
portunity was offered to gaze on the features
of the deceased after which the remains were
taken to Evergreen Cemetery for interment.
The pail bearers were Rufus IL. Hinkley
of State street church, William ID. Little OF
the Second Parish, Philip III. Brown and
Brown Thurston of High street church.