The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-09-17
PASTORS ANDTHE CHURCHES
DR.. Gilbert breaches His Last Sermon to
the Meridian.Street Congregation.
Interesting Report of Three Years Service
The Seventh Presbyterian Members Hold
Final Meetings in The Old Church.

Rev. Dr. J. E. Gilbert yesterday brought to
a close his services as pastor Of Meridian-street
d. E. Church. He delivered sermon in the
morning, and afterwards gave a report OF his
work during the past three years. The in.en-
ton had been to make the night service one of
song, but circumstances prevented. and
the pastor delivered short SER
mon, but the morning meeting was
properly the farewell servicee. There was a
large attendance of the Nom bership. The Doc
tor has been successful in his pastorate aud in
yesterdays congregation was present feeling
of sincere regret at his leaving charge where
he has done SO well and formed so many close
friendships. In addition to the members OF
Meridian street. there were in the congregation
. number Of visitors from other churches and
denominations. In connection with the services
q reception of members, class of eight from
probation, six by letter and four on profession
OF faith, occurred.
DIR. Gilberts sermon was an exposition OF the
life and example OF Paul. as 10 should be emu
lated, not merely by the Christian minister, but
by every follower of Christ The gospel he
said. came to different people in different ways,
but its appeal to everyone was the sams-to sur
render to Christ and work for the salvation of
feliow-men. The Pauline type of religion
Christ-like. It was scriptural: IL commanded
itself to the good Judgment OF mankind. and it
was the peculiar need Of the present time.
The speaker defned some Of the ways
in which the Lord wanted his people
to work. He asks them To do that which lies
nearest s'The present. he said, contains the
germ of the future. The near leads M to the re-
mote. The duty of the hour we'll dcne pre- pares
Tor the duty that must afterward be done.
Larger opportunities, and grander missions, and
glorious possibilities are before those wh do
Whatever they find to do Little duties neglected
to-day rise no like spectres to mock Us all along
tho way OF future endeavor." The doctors clos
ing remarks were ''Let hope to find in the
far-of ages that we have not lived in vain; that
We have had something TO do In accomplishing
the Lords plan; that our little lives have been
ouilded into that majestic structure on which
shall rest unfading elories when time shall be
no more.'
In his pastoral report, which was submitted
NJ the emo VI the sermon, tho Doctor stated that
1t was an occasion of thanksgiving that God had
preserved him and his family in unbroken health
during the entire time Excepting a few weeks
and an occasional Sunday exchange. he has been
constantly engaged in the duties of his pastorate,
assisted by the uninterrupted efforts of his wife.
When he came TO the church there were on the
roll 81 members and l probationer. During
his three years be has received into the church,
on probation. 81. and by letter, zoo. . total OF
2SO. and raising the registration TO Sl3 Eighteen
died, withdrew, 4 removed without, and l9o
with letters, leaving 597 in the church, net
gain Of 90. OF these belonging to the
church 400, or TO per cent, were members when
be took charge.
There were raised. under his supervision as
pastor, the following sums For current ex-
penses, sl4,SO0 repairs. SO, $50; indebtedness,
81 6O0 benevolenee, =. $40; total. SO, 400. In
addition to this the church building has been
put in frst-class order. and an Indebtedness left
from former pastorate has been paid. Widely
scattered membership and frequent changes of
residence without notice to the pastor operated
somewhat against his making his pastoral labor
thorough, but he has visited every member each
year and many oftener, and is able to leave to
MS successor complete alphabetical roll show
Ing tbs dwelling place of all.
=, The Doctor then referred to the work of the
Young Peoples Prosperous Society Of Christian
Endeayor. and to the missionary project inauc-
urated during the frat year OF his service. AS
a result or the latter self-supporting church :
with l50 members has been established at
Haughville, and is has become center OF re-
hglous influence In that community. at has
been,' the Doctor continued. ''my constant
aim In these years To promote the spirit or
brotherliness among Methodsts in this city.
have had great interest in the Methodist ALI
ance. believing that, III other communities,
30 here, we might II organized into one body &C
complish what the individual church could not
working Independently / have . lso tried TO be
catholic 10 spirit and IN labor desiring the well
fare OF all who love our Lord, Jesus Christ In
so doing have received the kindest treatment
from pastors and laymsn Of the various sects.
and have been honored by them, especially IN
the Sunday school department"
1T Is highly probable that some to
whom I have ministered in sacred
things have not been satisfied Who
that knows the diversity and delcacy OF
q minister's duties, and the impsrfection of hu-
man nature, would expect that any man would
be entirely acceptable to ALT Even the great
apostle to the Gentiles was shamefully treated
by some who heard the gospel first from his
lips, and the Lord OF Glory Was rejected and
delivered over to death by those who thought
themselves the most religious Of the time. Be-
sides, . teaching ministry is never appreciated
except by those who In love with truth. But.
as seed sown in good ground springs up aud
bears fruit after many days, the word Of the
Lord shall not return unto him void, but shall
accomplish that whereto he sends it. However.
II gives me much pleasure 20 be able to say. in
these closing moments, that have acted con-
whom alone l am accountable. and that 1 60
from you with love for you ALL and sincere de-
sire for your future prosperity. Trusting that
one OF superior gifts and graces will succeed TO
this pulpit. would turn your thought and af-
fections toward him, praying that the divine
blessing upon your joint labors may result in
winning many souls from Elm, and building them
up in knowledge and holiness
Finally, beloved, / commend you to God and
the word of his grace, which is able to build you
no and give you place among all them that are
sanctifed."
During the delivery of the parting speech
many eyes were dimmed by tears.