The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-05-19
Jhe amtertur.

of the Redeemer, Sunday morning and
evening.-At st. Paurs, Rev. J. Coleman
Adams gave, in the evening, the second
lecture in his course to young people.
Subject, "Study." The first lecture was
on "Work;" the next will be "Play."-At
the Church of Our Father,in the morning,
Rev. @. 8. Nickerson gave his first ami
versary sermon.-We print below the
resolutions adopted by the Ministerial
Association in memory Of the late Rev.
W. 8. Balch.-The monthly meeting Of
the Executive Board of the Illinois Con-
vention was held at the Western Branch
rooms on Monday.
At a meeting of the @ hicago Ministe-
rial Association, convened Feb. 20, 1888,
a committee was appointed, consisting
of Rev. FL. Slade, Rsv. A. N. Alcott and
DR.. J. 8. Csntwell, to draft resolutions
respecting the death OF Rev. William 8
Balch, the same to be presented to this
body for consideration, and your Commit
tee would respectfully report the follow
ing:
WHEREAS, Our much honored brother,
William s. Balch, has been called away from
his home on earth to the higher and better
spirit life, and to brighter, more joyous, and
more active scenes of happiness, and we are
to meet him no more in the family circle
and in the social gathering, and are to have
his counsel, his assistance and cooperation
no more in the society, the church and the
Sunday school; therefore,
ResolUed, That it is a most willing duty we
perform, to express our high regard for him
who has passed on before us; to recall the
many excellent traits of character for which
he was distinguished, and the many good
deeds which he cheerfully performed, as well
as the great work he has done for enlight-
ened and liberal Christianity, and which has
given him such potent sway over all our
hearts.
Resolved, That while our bosoms have been
thrilled and rapt with delight in listening to
his many golden thoughts and his most elo-
quent appeals, yet we revere his memory in
nothing 80 much as for his benefcent gifts,
and his benignly wrought influences by which
his name and fame have SO marked him as a
pattern for us to follow, and which have
made him so worthy the love and esteem of
all men everywhere.
RESOLVED, That we look upon him as hav-
ing been a clear, strong thinker; guide,
teacher and leader, devoted, affectionate
and faithful working pastor; under whose
ministrations replete with instruction, the
cause of God has been greatly blessed, and
the shackles removed from many imprisoned
minds and hearts.
RESOLVED, That he having proved such
champion for the cause, in valiant services
done for truth and righteousness, and won
such lifelong friends and friendships by eff
forts never to die in their consequences, we
are proud to do him this honor of paying
humble tribute to his worth, and in standing
by the side of him who has toiled SO earnestly
and diligently all these years.
RESOLVED, That we but too feebly express
the sorrow of our hearts at this link of his
life being broken, while we send our sincere
"God bless you" to the dear ones left be-
hind, asking that Heavens choicest favor
may be with all who were allied to him in
closest bonds of family and filial attachment,
though not grieving for him whose life was
80 worn and oppressed With disease and
pain, for here was no room for tears,
For when his arm grew palsied, and his eye
Dark with the mists of age, it was his time to
die"
RESOLVED, That a copy of these resolutions
be spread on the records of this Association,
and be given to The UNIvRRsALIsT for publ
cation.
ILLINOIS.-HOOpestOn.-The Church
OF the Redeemer in this city continues to
grow in all directions of usefulness.
They are looking with much interest for
ward to the time this fall when the State
Convention will meet with them. They
will be glad and abundantly able to pro-
vide for all who favor the Convention
with their attendance.
MOrrisOn.-The pastor, Rsv. o. G.
Oolegrove, writes: i" My work here is pass
ing of nicely. The Sunday which
has been almost dormant, is taking new
life. Last Sunday the attendance was
the largest since began the work here.
At this meeting we elected officers for the
coming year, and the future of the Sun
day-school is promising"
AvOn.-The pastor of the Universalist
church at Avon sends greeting to all par
ishes and individual Universalists of the
Spoon River Association, and extends
most earnest and cordial invitation to one
and all to come and enjoy the occasion
with them. Their hearts and homes are
open to receive all who may come.
MIC HIG A N.-Manchester The
ninety-f anniversary of Father Thorn
as Spaford, of Manchester, was celebra-
ted at his residence by special services.
A goodly number of his neighbors and
friends met and listened to discourse
from Rev. ]. M. Getchell on the beauty
of growing old. Rev. r. Wooden was
present and assisted in the services, and
at the close of the sermon, remarks were
made by Br. Wooden and others. The
occasion was a spiritual feast and all felt
that it was good to be there. Our ven.
cradle Br. Spafford has been lifelong
Universalist and has done great deal of
good work for the church at Manchester.
DOwagiac and Decatur.-Rev. r. B.
Marsh, pastor of these churches. writaa