The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-05-12

possible half dozen.
The reception was wholly informal, and
there was none of that stiffness so often
seen In such gatherings. Some fine sing
ing was furnished by three members of
the regular choir.
Hon. Newton Talbot, Chairman Of the
Parish Committee, called the assembly to
order after the general Misunderstanding,
and in an appropriate address congratu.
lated the pastor in behalf of the society
upon the successful completion of the
fortieth year of his pastorate, and assured
him OF the affection and esteem in which
he was held, and wished him long con-
tinued prosperity in the work which he
Is 30 ably doing. He briefly reviewed
the progress of the Universalist faith
during this century, and complimented
DIR. Miner upon the way in which he had
aided the movement.
In reply, DR.. Miner thanked the society
Tor the sincere attachment and fidelity
with which they had supported their pas
tor in all his undertakings. He had done
much general work outside of the regu-
lar parish work, and if his educational
and reform labors had not benefited his
congregation directly, he hoped they had
at least aided humanity. He said he was
proud of his parish. There was not a
note shaver, drunkard, or dealer in
that which made men drunk, in his con-
gregation, and when he saw throngs of
them worshiping in other churches he
felt proud. He mentioned some OF the
changes occurring during his pastorate,
and said that of the families living in his
parish at the commencement OF his labors,
only three yet remained in it. A city
parish was necessarily aeeting. More
had gone over the river than were left,
and the remainder were scattered in the
vicinity OF Boston and away. He said:
81 hope that if have not aided the prog
ress of reform, I, at least have not him
dered it, but at times feel as if I was
lifting the wheel out of the mud. OF
course, have got some of the mud upon
me, bnt it has dried and been wiped
away. l heartily thank you for your
wishes Tor the continuance of my labor.
but when 1 look around and see what
forty years has done for other men, I
begin TO hesitate. Don't be alarmed,
have no intention of resigning, but feel
it my duty to be resigned to whatever
may occur"
Letters of regret were read from Revs.
Lucius r. Paige, Fl. I. Cushman, s. W.
Sample and DR.. @. A. Bartol (Unitarian).
The latter said that the career of DR..
Miner had been a remarkable one, and
the celebration of his fortieth anniver-
sary was most fitting and interesting, con-
sidering the valuable services he had
rendered to Christianity, as the leader of
moral, religious and social reform.
After the singing OF hymn, composed
for the occasion in DR.. Miners honor by
Benjamin B. Whittemore, Rev. j. J..
Lewis, OF South Boston, in behalf OF the
Universalist clergymen of Boston and
vicinity, presented him with an elegant
and costly Bids Bible as souvenir Of
the occasion. The two volumes are hand
somely bound in morocco and finely
illustrated. DR.. Miner responded fitting
ly. Meanwhile the caterer had been
preparing bountiful collation. in the
two supper rooms, and when the doors
were thrown open very pleasing sight
met the eye. The neat and tasty arrange
ment was highly praised. After partak-
ing of the viands little time was spent
in social intercourse, and the crowd dis
persed wishing DR.. and Mrs. Miner many
more anniversaries as pleasant as the
one just ended.
The following prominent clergymen
and laYmen were present: Rev. O. Fl.
Leonard, ID. D.; Professor W. R. Ship
man, 7. J. Sawyer, d. D.; J. J. Lewis,
r. A. White. Charles A. Skinner, Dr.
Emerson of the CHRISTIAN LEADER, I.
P. Coddington, DR.. j. M. Pullman, DIR. @.
W. Biddle, l.. L. Briggs, @. r. Moor, G.
l.. Perrin, A. J. Patterson, Charles F. Lee,
A. E. White, r. Perry Bush, r. T. Polk,
Hon. Newton Talbot, Moses True Brown,
Clinton Viles, @. E. Morrison, George
Forrestall, d. W. Spooner, Moses Fair
banks, Ivers W. Adams, Charles Caverly,
Henry A. Bean, B. F. Titcomb, DIR. F. L.
Jack, DR.. Draper, city physician, B. F.
Whittemore and Henry Williams.
We give below Mr.. Whittemore's hymn
composed in honor of the notable occa-
sion:
Tune Bonnie Doom"
Come, join in this song. Let it's glad notes of
greeting
Inspire every heart. as the stratus shall as
cend
To recall from it's Depths mid the joy of this
meeting,
The love we would bear to our pastor and
friend.
For blessed in their measure-in trials sand
pleasure
His years have been spared to the flock he
has led,
And our love. whose first dawning, o'erspread
his lifes morning,
A radiance of bliss on its evening shall she'd
IT was the voice of a people in heart all