The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1888-02-24
INSTALLATION AT wooDFoRps.
Rev. e. p. Wilson Succeeds the Rev.
c. A. Marsh.

The favorable weather of yesterday drew
a large gathering at the council at Wood
fords. A double call was made upon the
council, first, to ratify the action of the
church in the dismissal of their late pastor,
Rev. G. A. Marsh, and then for the examina-
ton and installation of the new pastor, Rev.
Z. p. Wilson, late of WATERFOWL, Mass.
Rev. l.. III. Hallock was chosen moderator,
with Rev. Il. G. Mcknight for scribe. The
council, in ratifying the action of the church
in the dismissal of Rev. G. A. Marsh, adopt
ed the following resolutions:
The members of this council, in giving sanction
to the action of this church and society IN accept
ing the resignation of its late pastor, REV. Cnas.
A. Marsh desire to testify their deep sympathy
with our brother in the'sad circumstances whlcn
have led to the severance of the relationship so
happy and promising. ,.,,,
Christian character of our brother, and commen9
him to the churches as an earnest, devoIeu
preacher and pastor W WIN heafh and re uSefu
ness In the service of the Master whom ne loves.
The examination of the pastor elect Rev.
Mr.. Wilson was, in every way, well sus-
tanned and greatly enjoyed by all present.
The candidate showed ready answers to all
points of theological enquiry, and knew how
W SuSbdlu liuloOll w eAO WNAN Va NV
The council was eminently salts
fed with the soundness of his faith, and
sympathy with the practical methods Of
work, and voted with great unanimity to
proceed to the installation services. One Of
the pleasant features of the day was the
presence of several of his former people
from WATERFOWL, where, during fifteen
years pastorate, he has won place of high
esteem.
During the intermission generous colla-
ton was served in the vestry of the church.
The evening service was begun at 7.30
O'Clock by devotional exercises by Rev. b.
P. Snow and Rev. S. K. Perkins. The ser
mon was preached by the Rev. Wolcott CAL
kins, d. D., of the Elliott church, Newton,
Mass, from the text, John 9:36. ''Who is
he Lord, that may believe ON him."
The speaker depicted the power of the
Lord in healing sickness, probing hearts and
opening up the certainty of retribution for
sin. His preaching was not depressing, he
spoke with authority. he decided great truths
with authority. The people heard him glad
ly. Many opinions exist in answer to who
he was. All are agreed now that he was MS
toTical character and must be accounted Tor
Every theory meets the difficulty, that he
alone has set himself up as a sinless man.
He discourses to us no consciousness OF sin,
no acknowledgement of sin. Never man
had such anguish, but no anguish for SIN.
Even in intimate communion with God he
feels no unworthiness. nor asks forgiveness
for sin. He preached himself, declaring that
men must believe on him to be saved. When
men asked to see the father; II am the
Father and the Father in me-" What man
would so speak?
His enemies tried to take his life but their
charges failed. He told the Jews he was
their Messiah, the true Son of God, who
should sit in Judgment over their sins. Ii the
words were false then he was justly con,
demned; he has deceived his people and al
people. The words are true, attested by his
resurrection from the dead, and verified all
he had said. These words come home today,
in the voice of him who proclaims the liylng
Saviour. Holy living will make, the living
Redeemer reality in this passionate.
The sermon was an eloquent, tender an
swer, and with earnest simplicity, to the
question, "Who is this Son of God?" The
installing prayer was offered by Rev. A. 81.
Wright.
Rev. c. II. Daniels in his charge to the pas
for urged to manly, strong, courageous and
faithful ministry, blended with the conscious
ness of being sent of God to this people, to
lead and shape religious life.
The light hand of fellowship was heartily
given by Rev. e. M. Cousins, of Cumberland
Mills. The closing.address to thepeople was
blythe Moderator: REV. L. FL. Hallock. The
benediction was pronounced by the new pas
tor. Thus is begun in more than ordinarily
happy circumstances pastorate which all
hope may be useful and long continued.
Wednesday night reception was given to
Mr.. and Mrs. Wilson in the church. Mrs.
w. H. Baxter, Messrs. w. II. Scott and d..
II. Nevens acted as a reception committee.
After the introductions, Deacon j. N. Clark
offered prayer, and Deacon G. H. Blake ex-
tended the welcome of the Isociety. Mrs.
Clinton A. Woodbury. recited an original
poem, after which Mr.. Wilson expressed his
and his wife's great pleasure at the warm
welcome they had received. The Schubert
Quartette sang several selections pleasingly
and social converse, with refreshments, filled
out the evening.
The ladies of the society have re-carpeted
the church yestry and provided window
shades, while the society has painted the
vestrv and nut gas into the church.